42 Travels in a Tree-top 



tail were far above my head, and every trace 

 of civilization was effectually shut out. It 

 was as much a wilderness as any jungle in 

 the tropics. Nor was I alone. Not a 

 minute elapsed before a faint squeak told me 

 that there were meadow-mice in the hollow 

 log on which I sat. Then the rank grass 

 moved and a least bittern came into view and 

 as quickly disappeared. I heard continually 

 the cackle of the king-rail, and the liquid twit- 

 tering of the marsh-wrens was a delight. The 

 huge globular nests of these birds were every- 

 where about me ; but the birds did not think 

 of me as having any evil designs upon them, 

 so they came and went as freely as if alone. 

 This is bird-viewing that one too seldom 

 enjoys nowadays. Often, and very suddenly, 

 all sound ceased and every bird disappeared. 

 I did not recognize the cause at first, but was 

 enlightened a moment later. A large bird 

 passed over, and its very shadow frightened 

 the little marsh-dwellers. If not, the shadow 

 and fright were a coincidence several times 

 that morning. The day, for me, ended with 

 the unusual chance of a close encounter with 

 a great blue heron. I saw the bird hover for 

 a moment direftly overhead, and then, let- 



