102 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



accordingly built on, nest upon nest, in perfect security. 

 "Wistful looks were turned upon them, and hats were 

 thrown up to frighten them in the performance of their 

 duties ; but they heeded neither the one nor the other ; 

 and it was amusing to see how soon the young birds 

 hopped upon the branches in equal fearlessness, while 

 they looked down on the impatient truants beneath. At 

 length the fatal day arrived, when several workmen were 

 seen coming towards the wood. They carried hatchets 

 in their hands, and with them came empty waggons and 

 strong horses, for the conveyance of timber. The old 

 bridge at the Toy, near Hampton Court, needed repara- 

 tion, and for this purpose trees were required fifty feet in 

 length, without branches, and measuring fifty inches at the 

 taper end. Such trees the grove contained, and an order 

 was given in consequence for felling them. The trees 

 were not yet in leaf, for it was early in February ; but 

 the hardy raven prefers to build her nest, and to sit, in 

 this cold month; -perhaps some peculiar kind of insect 



