AMONG THE BIRDS IN SUMMER. 107 



these active little creatures following their parents ; 

 but as the wandering Hawk crosses the sky their 

 ever-watchful mother gathers her brood together 

 with a warning cry and shelters them beneath her 

 wings. Amongst the corn which is now just 

 shooting into ear the Quails are nesting. These Quails lay- 

 birds are polygamous, one male mating with We. 

 several females, which often lay in the same 

 nest. Usually several nests may be found close 

 together in the same patch of corn or " seeds.' 7 

 In the woods the broods of young Pheasants are 

 rapidly advancing to maturity, guarded by the 

 ^ver- watchful keepers from Crows, and Hawks, 

 and other predatory creatures. Whichever way 

 we chance to turn, birds are sure to be seen ; but 

 it is interesting to notice how quickly they dis- 

 appear at the approach of the heavy thunder- 

 showers. As soon as the first warning drops 

 patter heavily on the broad leaves bird after bird 

 seeks shelter amongst the densest foliage, and 

 rarely one ventures forth until the heavy rain has 

 ceased. Sometimes, however, the Swallows and 

 Martins keep the air, and career about in the 

 drenching rain without any inconvenience. Their 

 dense, glossy plumage seems impervious to the 

 water, and they flit about all indifferent to the 

 storm. But as soon as the rain has ceased, and 

 the sun shines brightly forth again, the birds hop 

 out from their retreats, many of them bursting 

 into song. All is gladness once more, and the 

 parched, thirsty earth, and dusty, drooping vege- 



