156 MEMORIAL TRIBUTE 



sandpiper, whose body is continually vibrating as if on 

 a pivot. 



It is the busy season of Nature. What myriads of 

 flowers are silently expanding, what rills of vegetable 

 juices are ascending the stems of the topmost twigs, 

 what mighty preparations, without confusion or bustle, 

 are making to secure an abundant produce of fruit and 

 seed for the support of animal life ! How beautiful the 

 brooding mystery of that happy raven, seated on her 

 nesif to impart vital warmth to her newly -fledged young, 

 while her mate croaks in joy on the projecting crag, 

 ready to sally forth and drive away the prowling hawk 

 that may chance to come near his ancient seat, the castle 

 of his sires 1 For weeks might one wander among those 

 wooded glens, finding each hour some fresh object to 

 excite admiration, and warm his bosom with the glow 

 of gratitude toward the Supreme Power which out of 

 nothing has called all these wonders into being. But 

 at present we are mere strolling naturalists, bent on 

 collecting nests and eggs. British Birds, vol. i. pp. 

 616, 617. 



11. SOME OF PROFESSOR MACGILLIVRAY'S FRIENDS. 



I remember. Mr. Weir is an enthusiast, a lover of 

 Nature, and, although a Conservative and a trapper of 

 birds, a Christian and a scholar. I forgot him when I 

 boasted of having fought my way with my own claymore. 

 You shall see presently how efficient his aid has been. 



