MOOR-HENS IN HYDE PABK. 
123 
which is in a bird is incapable of such a motive, 
and has only the lesser light of instinct for its 
guide, and to the birds' instinct we are only one of 
the wingless mammalians inhabiting the earth, and 
with the cat and weasel are labelled " dangerous," 
but the ox and horse and sheep have no such label. 
Even our larger, dimmer eyes can easily discover 
the attraction. Let any one, possessing a garden 
in the suburbs of London, minutely examine the 
foliage at a point furthest removed from the house, 
and he will find the plants clean from insects ; and 
as he moves back he will find them increasingly 
abundant until he reaches the door. Insect life is 
gathered thickly about us, for that birdless space 
which we have made is ever its refuge and safe 
camping ground. And the birds know. One 
came before we were up, when cat and dog were 
also sleeping, and a report is current among them. 
Like ants when a forager who has found a honey 
pot returns to the nest, they are all eager to go and 
see and taste for themselves. Their country is 
poor, for they have gathered its spoils, and now 
this virgin territory sorely tempts them. To those 
who know a bird's spirit it is plain that a mere 
suspension of hostile action on our part would have 
the effect of altering their shy habits, and bringing 
them in crowds about us. Not only in the orchard 
and grove and garden walks would they be with 
