CHAPTER VII. By Marsh and 



Mere 



THE class of birds we have now to consider 

 is that which least of all can flourish in 

 the neighbourhood of mankind. The 

 advance of cultivation, the draining of 

 the fens and reclaiming of marsh land have driven 

 many species from our shores altogether, and 

 some, which used to breed with us regularly, 

 now only pay us occasional visits, to call forth a 

 small army of local gunners from the neighbour- 

 hood it is unfortunate enough to select. The 

 once familiar Bittern, " booming in the sedgy 

 shallow," and many others are seldom given the 

 opportunity of nesting with us, even if they desired 

 to do so. But while all bird lovers bewail their 

 loss, there is enough to occupy their attention in 

 those that remain, and every means should be 

 taken to protect these from sharing a like fate. 



To the commonest of our marsh birds the fore- 

 going remarks scarcely apply, for when a con- 

 tinued frost renders it impossible to find sustenance 

 by the water, the Moorhens pluck up sufficient 

 courage to enter a farmyard and partake of the 

 food thrown to the ducks and fowls. 



They readily become tame then, if shown a little 

 encouragement, and will come to feed on the lawn 



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