12 WILD NATURE IN STRATHEARN. 



do not know, but if you shoot a Cuckoo the 

 Pipit flies down beside it, evidently in great 

 distress, and pecks at its head to bring it back 

 to life. I do not remember a year when 

 Cuckoos were so plentiful here. Not a day 

 passes without two or three being heard calling, 

 and often two are to be seen in company. 

 As a rule, the Cuckoo is a solitary bird, and 

 is rarely seen with another. In July, the 

 old birds will be gone, but the young ones 

 will remain until September or October. Query 

 Why do the old birds leave so soon, and 

 how do the young, which are left to be 

 reared by a foster mother, know to emigrate, 

 and to where? 



" Reasoning at every step he treads, 



Man yet mistakes his way, 

 While meaner things, whom instinct leads, 

 Are rarely known to stray." 



Cowper. 



Our walk, although a short one, has been 

 most enjoyable. There is so much to interest, 

 amuse, and instruct. We feel refreshed by the 



