Woods id e. 49 



Bat it is very probable that the scent of the sweet-brier, 

 produced in the tiny scent glands in the leaves, as well 

 as the odours of many other plants in which an aromatic 

 oil is a distinct element, are useful to the plants by prevent- 

 ing the attacks of many animals that would otherwise injure 

 or destroy them. In this class the delicate odour of the 

 pine-tree, with others of a resinous character, may be placed, 

 as well as those of tansy, garlic and similar strongly scented 

 plants which are particularly free from the attacks of animals, 

 and eschewed by them as food. 



Well, we have been resting long enough, and rise refreshed 

 from our seat among the bracken. The scenery now 

 becomes more and more distinctly woodland. The roadside 

 banks are topped with ledges made by the roots of trees, 

 which bind together the sand and pebbles there, whilst the 

 lower part has been washed away. Hazel, birch, dogwood, 

 sallow and wild roses make up the greater part of the under- 

 growth, whilst our woodland songsters abound and charm us 

 with their melody. 



We now pass the main road that leads to the village of 

 Shorne, and notice an old-fashioned gatehouse, but our path 

 still maintains its general character. On one side is the 

 Park with its magnificent trees, on the other, woods rich 

 with a great wealth of bird-life. Here one may occasionally 

 see the honey buzzard, which is very destructive to bees ; and 

 that reminds us of the havoc that our little friend here, the 

 blue-tit, will work. Have you ever watched this impudent 

 little fellow tap a hive to make a bee come out, and as soon 

 as one appears, pounce upon it and devour it? Where did 

 that one come from ? Ah ! here is a hole in the sand-bank, 

 well protected by the over-hanging ledge. Let us peep in ! 



