128 HILLSIDE, ROCK, AND DALE 



spreads amongst the herbage, forming tiny rivulets 

 running in zigzag fashion in and out between the 

 grass roots ; and in parts little pools are formed, the 

 water being of crystal purity, so that a flower on the 



edge is reflected 

 as in a lass. A 



down this miniature 

 stream leaves the 

 green, and trickles 

 in many smaller 

 courses across and 

 down the old road- 

 way ; then finally 

 it reaches the grass 

 on the other side, 

 and is lost sight of 

 among the bushes. 

 Farther still down 

 the lane we hear it 

 drip, drip, dripping 



___ underneath the 



YOUNG CHAFFINCH thickest parts of the 



bushes, and here 



this dripping sound is mingled with the blackcap's 

 wild song, given out loud and distinct. Soon 

 a shaking branch tells where the bird is sitting. 

 Looking back up the lane I see a blackbird standing 



