Hrt anJ» ^one^ 



for me to cross. One splendid queen egret 

 {Hydranassa tricolor) dropped to a little 

 tussock on the opposite water-line, not 

 forty paces distant, and posed with incom- 

 parable grace. I sat so still against the 

 tree that even those piercing eyes did not 

 distinguish me. The wind was in my favor, 

 blowing lightly and steadily, and by slow 

 degrees I worked my field-glass up so as 

 to take a look. I like to study these very 

 shy wild things unawares at short range. 



As for the kingfisher, it was doing a 

 trick, now and again, which these birds 

 have learned in the regions where there 

 are no trees, rocks, or high banks for them 

 to perch upon. It hovered stationary in 

 the air a short distance above the water, 

 using its wings merely to sustain itself, until 

 a little fish was discovered ; then like a bolt 

 it plumped down, with a liquid sound and 

 a sparkling splash. Invariably, when un- 

 successful, it rose again, almost perpendic- 

 ularly, to its former altitude, uttering its 

 harsh, gigghng cry, " Twidg-g-g-dt ! " and 

 ruffling its shining crest, as if mightily 

 excited. When tired it came and perched 

 164 



