io8 ANNALS OF BIRD LIFE. 



tation, now refreshed and beautified, are full of 

 rare fragrance. 



On the quiet pools, whose margins are fringed 

 with a dense bed of flags and rushes, the Water- 

 hen finds a home congenial, to its taste. This 

 bird may often be seen walking about the short 

 grass near the water, to which it instantly retires 

 when alarmed. It makes its bulky nest among 

 the rushes, and often rears as many as three 

 Young broods in the season. The chicks are covered 

 ab?orf, ens w ith down as black as jet, and are able to swim 



3rd June. . 



and dive almost immediately after they leave the 

 egg. The Waterhen is a careful mother and 

 leads her numerous family about the pool search- 

 ing for food. When tired the chicks may often 

 be seen resting on the broad, flat leaves of the 

 " can-dock," and may sometimes be watched 

 chasing an insect across them. Waterhens often 

 perch in trees, and swim and dive with admirable 

 grace and quickness, although their feet are not 

 webbed, or even lobed, like those of the Coot. 

 By the water-side another interesting little bird 

 may often be met with. This is the Reed 

 Warbler. It loves the reed-beds and osier- 

 thickets, and is so skulking in its habits that it 

 is rarely seen, only betraying its presence by its 

 song. It is a most industrious songster, and is, 

 therefore, not easily overlooked. As you wander 

 along the fringe of tall reeds by the sluggish 

 stream, you may see the slender stems quiver 

 as the little reed-bird hurries through them with 



