13& WITH THE WOODLANDERS. 



It is too early for birds to nest in March, as a 

 rule. Some have young by the middle of the month, 

 but this is exceptional, only with a few species 

 does it occur. All birds, however, are moving about, 

 and some of them are showing themselves off 

 bravely. Even the jay's voice is softened as he 

 raises his crest, droops his wings a little, spreads 

 his tail out, and gabbles to his mate, who no doubt 

 considers the whole performance a most enchanting 

 one. By the copse-side the pheasant struts in the 

 bright sunlight, his ear - tufts erected, and his 

 crimson cheek puffed out, his breast shining like 

 burnished copper. He has not put all his war- 

 paint on yet, his full toilet will be completed 

 presently. But he is getting himself ready for 

 battle, and for conquest too, for the pheasant can 

 fight with a will. Overhead, the wood-pigeons clap 

 their wings, spread their tails out, and float above 

 him. The moor-hen visits the dead sedges, flirting 

 up his tail, bobbing his head, and clucking. Pre- 

 sently his mate joins him. A cock moor-hen is 

 a very handsome bird at this season, for his 

 plumage, although sober-looking at a short distance, 

 is found to be very rich when you have the bird 



