In Forest and Copse. 1 4 1 



builder appeared upon the scene and before it be- 

 came one of the public parks of Sheffield. Here 

 was established a fine rookery, and the densely 

 wooded grounds round what is now the Ruskin 

 Museum were the favourite haunts of Thrushes and 

 Blackbirds, of Redwings and Bramblings during 

 winter, of Greenfinches, Bullfinches, Titmice, seclu- 

 sion-loving Warblers, Flycatchers, Robins, Wrens, 

 and other birds. For many years this half-wood 

 half-shrubbery was our constant resort. The wary 

 Rooks got to know us most intimately, and never 

 left the treetops or made any unusual noise or dis- 

 turbance as we wandered under the nests. But 

 let a stranger venture near and all was commotion 

 and uproar at once. The sable fellows would not 

 allow me a companion; and whenever I walked 

 beneath the nest-trees accompanied by a friend 

 the birds would be sure to raise a prolonged chorus 

 of protesting cries. We never knew a spot where 

 more birds came at nightfall during winter to roost 

 amongst the evergreens. For years we used to 

 conceal ourselves in some favourite spot and watch 

 the interesting ways and doings of these mixed 

 avine hosts as they settled themselves to rest. In 

 spring and summer it was equally favoured as a 

 nesting- place. Fortunately all bird-life here was 

 respected; every species was safe and welcome 

 within this fair domain; it was a sanctuary, a place 



