38 BIBDS IN LONDON 



who was an American, had a revolver in his 

 pocket, and puUing it out he fired five shots at 

 the bird at a distance of about six yards, but 

 failed to hit it. He was preparing to reload his 

 weapon,'jWhen, to expedite matters, I picked up 

 a stick and knocked the chicken over, and in 

 less than fifty minutes' time we were picking his 

 bones. 



I doubt if the Hyde Park sportsmen will see 

 anything very amusing in this story: 



The mallard is an extremely handsome 

 fowl, and it is pleasant to see such a bird in 

 flocks, at home on the ornamental waters, and 

 at the same time to learn that it is, in a sense, a 

 wild bird, that in the keenness of its faculties, 

 its power of flight, and nesting habits it differs 

 greatly from its degenerate domestic relation. 

 By day he will feed from any person's hand ; 

 in the evening he returns to his ancient wary 

 habit, and will not suffer a person to approach 

 him. He is active by night, particularly in the 

 autumn, flying about the park and gardens in 

 small flocks and feeding on the grass. It is a 

 curious and delightful experience to be alone on 

 a damp autumn night in Kensington Gardens. 

 One is surrounded by London ; its dull con- 



