112 WILD NATURE IN STRATHEARN. 



and one or two small Crows (Starlings) were 

 to be seen in the pasture fields. A Mavis flew 

 from the field across the road into the wood 

 as we passed. Her nest was not far away, for 

 we could hear the cry of the young as she fed 

 them. One or two young Rabbits were to be 

 seen sitting by the roadside, enjoying the warmth 

 of the sun. As we approach the stream, a pair 

 of Water-Hens run down the bank, and, plung- 

 ing into the water, swim rapidly to the other 

 side. This looks a good day for the pool at 

 the mouth of the Pow. The perch rod is put 

 together, casting-line with Stewart tackle fastened 

 on, and with the red, blue, and white float, fixed 

 about eighteen inches from the hook, it only 

 requires the worm to complete, and that is easily 

 fixed. 



My favourite terrier, who has been hunting 

 the reedy banks of the burn, flushes a Mallard 

 Duck. The poor thing is in great fear and 

 distress until she gets her brood of ducklings 

 out into the stream, and out of harm's way. 



