202 THE HOOK -BURN. 



clovery meadow or the fringing copse, is perhaps increased 

 by contrasting them with the grey rocks and purple hills 

 of my country ; while the laugh of the wood-pecker, the 

 song of the nightingale, the " azure plume " of the little 

 halcyon as he flits past on a calm summer's eve, are 

 noticed with a more lively interest when substituted for 

 the swoop of the eagle and the crow of the " gor-cock." 



