32 THE -WATER-SHREW, 



and is well worth examination. As it dives and 

 runs along the bottom of the stream, it appears to 

 be studded with tiny silver beads, or glittering 

 pearls, on account of the air-bubbles that adhere to 

 its fur. I have seen a whole colony of them dis- 

 porting themselves in a little brooklet not two feet 

 wide, and so had a good opportunity of inspecting 

 them. 



WATER-SHREW. 



I may mention here, as has been done in one or 

 two other works, that nothing is easier than to 

 watch animals or birds in their state of liberty. All 

 that is required is perfect quiet. If an observer just 

 sits down at the foot of a tree, and does not move, 

 the most timid creatures will come within a few 

 yards as freely as if no human being were within a 

 mile. If he can shroud himself in branches or grass 

 or fern, so much the better ; but quiet is the chief 

 essential. 



It is impossible to form an idea of the real beauty 

 of animal life, without seeing it displayed in a free 

 and unconstrained state ; arid-more real knowledge 

 of natural history will be gained in a single summer 



