DAN MEINERTZHAGEN'S DIARY. 40 



sledge, we should have gone in the opposite 

 direction to 'Niska, when we intended to 

 return. 



We first of all came upon a large frozen lake, 

 and walking across this, reached the opposite 

 side, where we put down our fishing baskets 

 and separated for a time. I came across an 

 Osprey's nest by the side of the lake, and 

 round it were flying a pair of Ravens. It was 

 too early for the Ospreys, so I did not climb the 

 tree, although I suspected the Ravens had eggs ; 

 another reason was that I was too tired. The 

 only bird I got was a Siberian Tit, a very fine 

 specimen. Bob returned to the rendezvous 

 with two grey squirrels, very pretty creatures, 

 which we skinned on the spot, because my dog 

 required food. We could hear some Cranes 

 calling in the far distance there seemed to be 

 several all round. 



After resting on the shore of the lake for some 

 time, we returned, passing on the way home a 

 pair of Rypa, the cock bird of which was already 

 assuming the summer plumage, being reddish 

 on the head and neck. The natives say these 

 birds will be laying in a week. Although the 

 Russian law imposes a fine of 16 kr. on any 

 bird killed out of season, there is apparently no 

 law about eggs, which are eaten by the natives. 



