To Mountain Tarn 



It were difficult to say what of fur and feather 

 was not there. A casual glance showed hare and 

 rabbit, wood pigeon, and some trophies from the 

 farmyard ; altogether an excellent larder. 



Two heron rose as we approached. Other 

 parasites were known to come ; wild creatures that 

 crawl up, or drop down from aloft, when the 

 tenant is occupied elsewhere. The carrion crow 

 finds the heap congenial, also the magpie, with 

 which the surrounding woods abound. Rascals, 

 both of them. Sometimes their effigies are added 

 to the pile. A tempting bit is placed within easy 

 reach, while the trapper is out of sight, just 

 within the hole. Set a thief to catch a thief. 

 Even the more reputable had no objection to 

 share in the spoil. Is it not so in human life ? 

 The fox has quite a big following. 



My companion was curious and thoughtful. 

 He picked up one after another of the fragments, 

 examined each carefully, and let it fall. At 

 length he seemed to get what he was in search of. 

 An indulgent smile such as that of a parent at 

 the clever trick of some mischievous child broke 

 over his face. " You know that, I suppose ? " 

 It was the feather of a cock pheasant. 



A careless hand took up the relics of the part- 

 ridge. Its presence was a matter of course, calling 

 for no remark. The feathers went uncounted. 

 No wire-netting was set around. It lived out in 

 the field, and had to take its chance. Leaning 



