306 The Kingfisher. 



available ; but then the water is hidden by weeds, 

 and, being mudd}' at bottom, is not frequented by 

 those shoals of roach the kingfisher delights to watch. 

 So that the best places to look for tliis bird are on 

 the streams which feed the mere (especially just 

 where they enter it, for there the fish often assemble) 

 and the streams that issue forth, not far from the 

 main water. 



This old hatch — it is so old and rotten that it is 

 a little dangerous to cross it — is situate in the latter 

 position, on the effluent, and is almost hidden among 

 trees and bushes. ScA^eral hedges there meet, and 

 form a small cover, in the midst of which flows the 

 dark brook ; but do not go near carelesslj", for 

 the bank is undermined b}' the water itself and b^' the 

 water-rats, while the real edge is concealed b}- long 

 coarse grasses. These water rats are for ever endan- 

 gering the bay : they bore their holes at the side 

 through the bank from above and emerge below the " 

 hatch. Out of one such hole the water is now rush- 

 ing, and if it is not soon stopped will wear away the 

 soil and escape in such quantities as to lower the 

 level behind the hatch. These little beaver-like 

 creatures are not, therefore, welcome near hatches 

 and dams. 



If you approach the cover quietl}' and step over 

 the decayed pole that has been placed to close a gap, 

 by care full}' parting the bushes the kingfisher may be 

 seen in his favorite position. The old pole must not be 

 pressed in getting over it, or the willow ' bonds ' or 

 w'ithes with which it is fastened to a tree each side of 

 the gap will creak, and the pole itself may crack, and 

 so alarm the bird. The kingfisher perches on the 



