236 BIBDS IN LONDON 



opened to the public, in 1891, the birds went 

 away, all excepting those that occupied nests on 

 the large trees at the main gate, which is within 

 a few yards of Heme Hill station. They were 

 evidently so used to the noise of the trains and 

 traffic, and to the sight of people in the 

 thoroughfare on which they looked down, that 

 the opening of the park did not disturb them. 

 Nevertheless this remnant of the old rookery 

 is becoming less populous each year. In the 

 summer of 1896 I counted thirty-five occupied 

 nests ; in 1897 there were only twenty nests. 

 Just now — February 1898 — eight or ten pairs 

 of birds are engaged in repairing the old nests. 

 It is very pleasant to find that here, at all 

 events, very little (I cannot say nothing) has so 

 far been done to spoil the natural character 

 and charm of this park — one of the finest of 

 London's open spaces. 



