126 BIRDS' NESTS. 



in height, and formed a solid stack-work of 

 sticks. The eggs of this bird are bluish white, 

 spotted with ash colour and dark brown. The 

 young birds are easily tamed, and soon become 

 amusing but mischievous pets. 



MOOR-HEN. Gattinula Moropus. 

 PLATE VI. FIG. 2. 



AMONG the notes of the feathered tribe there 

 are many which have no claim to be considered 

 melodious, and among these is the cry of the 

 Moor-hen ; but though not musical, it falls 

 pleasantly on the ear, as one is walking, in 

 summer, on the bank of some winding river ; 

 and the eye cannot fail to follow with interest 

 the dingy bird itself, with its yellow stockings 

 and scarlet beak, as it shuffles, half-flying, 

 half-swimming, from a tuft of weeds or wil- 

 lows to a distant place of security, seeking 

 safety either by paddling between the reeds 

 which line the opposite bank, or when it has 

 reached deep water suddenly bobbing down to 



