THIRSTY BIRDS 97 



earthenware pans are set down in accessible places 

 beside the fields, and the keeper drives a water-cart 

 round to fill them daily. If one of these temporary 

 drinking-places is watched, it will be found that the 

 various broods in the neighbourhood visit it punctually 

 every day at 12.30, each bird taking several sips at the 

 water before it runs off again into the corn. 



On the Lockinge Estate, both on the hills and also 

 in the large meadows in the vale, a regular system of 

 water-supply was constructed by the late Lord Wantage 

 for the use of the cattle on these extensive pastures. 

 There were large reservoirs, supplied partly by wind- 

 mill pumps on the hills, and from these the water was 

 carried to circular stone tanks, like a well-head ten feet 

 across, which were so supplied as to be usually almost 

 brimful. Both these and the reservoirs were ideal drink- 

 ing-places for the birds. The wood-pigeons flew from 

 all parts of the downs to drink at the sloping sides of 

 the reservoirs (which were carefully railed and netted 

 round at some distance from the water, to prevent 

 sheep or hares and rabbits from getting in and being 

 drowned) ; while smaller birds, and also partridges, 

 used the tanks when full. One of these was regarded 

 by a covey of very tame partridges as their especial 

 property. They used to dust and sun themselves on 

 one side of the tank, and go round to the other to 

 lie in the shade at midday. When thirsty the whole 

 covey would fly up on to the rim of the tank, and, 

 bending down, would alternately sip the water, and 

 then raise their heads to " say grace," in a very pretty 

 and amusing way. 



