VOL. vn.] THE RED-THROATED DIVER. 155 



possible ; while the second Diver had fresh eggs on 

 June 3rd, when Miss Haviland first photographed her, 

 and did not hatch out till June 25th ; another striking 

 illustration of variety of temperament in individual 

 birds of the same species, for both were nesting in 

 utterly wild surroundings, and under precisely the same 

 isolated conditions. 



■' stretching and flapping lier wings." 



As I climbed the brae after my last visit to the Diver, 

 I stood and had one long final look at the bird which 

 had given me so much pleasure, and the wild moorland 

 and bog which surrounded her. Though I must have 

 been sharply outHned against the horizon, she merely 

 turned her head and watched me out of sight. I left 

 her with a feeling akin to remorse, for I am not likely 

 ever to see this beautiful species " at home " again ; but I 

 soon cheered up at the thought of the many I should see 

 around our Kentish coasts during the winter, not alone 

 and brooding midst the silent hills ; but gay and buoyant, 

 riding at ease beyond the breakers whose dull roar and 

 backwash make music and companionship alike for bird 

 and bird -lover. 



