164 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
pleasures more substantial which they are sure to find. Here, unmolested 
by their great arch-enemy man, they can pursue their piscatorial occupa- 
tion as suits them best. Who has not observed some lonely individual, 
with, ap]3arently, every trace of care blotted out of his life, thus occupied 
from early morning until night-time ? Those who love to quit the dust 
and turmoil of the city, to hold sweet communion with the visible forms 
of w'ood and dell, have been silent, speechless spectators of what we witness. 
However, for the benefit of such as have been denied this pleasure and 
privilege, we would invite them to a stroll into the country where bab- 
bling brook and quiet, sunny pond, adorn the prospect. The utmost 
silence must be maintained in these rambles, would you secure success. 
The presence of a human being upon the scene w'here these lordly princes 
of the piscine craft hold high revel, if detected, is almost sure to produce 
a stampede, and lead to a hasty departure. Hence, great care must be 
exercised in approaching their retreats, and even while quartered within 
the same. Once there, and snugly ensconced by environing bushes from 
view, you await developments. The object of your search may be but a 
few paces from you, and you not cognizant of it. Five minutes pass, and 
nothing is heard but the rumble of some distant cascade, the clatter of the 
stream as it laves its reedy banks and pebbled bed, or the rustle of the 
dry leaves around as they echo to the rabbit’s heavy tread. Another 
space of equal length has followed after, and the moments seem lengthened 
into w'eary hours as you sit listening, and like results are your reward. 
But while being tossed to and fro u]3on the ragged edge of suspense, and 
almost bereft of hope, a loud, harsh rattle meets your ear. You look in 
the direction whence the sound came, and there, perched upon an over- 
hanging bough just over your head, or a little to the right or left of you, 
stands — the very embodiment of majesty and power — the creature for whom 
you have been looking. Nor does he always occupy such a lofty position. 
Betimes, he seeks a lower level, and may be found upon a stranded, 
uplifted snag. Having discovered his whereabouts, you must watch him 
closely, for the cry which you have just heard, is the signal that precedes 
