THE PAGEANT OF THE SEASONS 101 



slowly die away, until the long string of geese be- 

 comes lost in the gloom of night. These memories 

 of sights and sounds are dear to all sportsmen. Kee- 

 wonk again, and two great birds leave the water, 

 circle round, and are soon far away and disappear in 



COAL-TIT. SEEING ! 



the mists of autumn. Among the water-hens is a 

 smaller bird, and through my field-glass this is seen 

 to be a water-rail. It does not wander far from the 

 reeds, and at the slightest sign of danger quickly 

 runs to shelter. A herd of deer is resting under 

 the larger oaks feeding on acorns, which the fitful 

 breeze occasionally causes to fall. This is a curious 



