DESERTED HOMES. 157 



rose from their nesting-trees and shouted hoarsely 

 as they flapped to and fro. The trees were cut down 

 and the fine avenue converted into a green ride. 

 Then the herons naturally departed for ever. I 

 frequently stop to look at the line of brickwork 

 left just above the ground, covered over with ivy 

 and trailing brambles ; and often speculate about 

 the motive the owner that bought the property after 

 the death of those who once lived there could have 

 had in giving the order to pull the beautiful place 

 down. This is only one case in many that come 

 under one's notice, where the pride and glory of one 

 man's lifetime has been ruthlessly destroyed by the 

 next owner. It is a sign that one is fairly advanced 

 in years when there is so much of the past to re- 

 member and ponder over. 



The bustards we can never hope to see again. 

 They have not died out, they have been extermin- 

 ated ; yet their homes remain, for the South Downs 

 and plains exist, as they have done beyond all records, 

 but the birds that once made their haunts in those 

 localities are gone. Now and again one or two visit 

 their old homes, but they get shot directly. 



All rare stragglers that are shot do not get recorded 



