1G8 c. an d h. candler’s notes from the Netherlands. 
making observations on bird life, for no sooner did we show 
ourselves in the street than we were surrounded by a crowd of 
children, who accompanied us till nightfall, showing a keen and 
somewhat embarrassing interest in our doings. To rid ourselves of 
them was impossible, for they were too active to be outrun, and 
too familiar with the country to be out-manoeuvred ; however they 
proved, on acquaintance, to be lively and interesting companions, 
and we learned much from them before we parted. The people 
of Texel differ slightly in race and speech from those of North 
Holland ; they are of a Frisian stock, and their dialect is 
closely akin to that of Friesland.'"' Indeed the physiognomy and 
temperament of the islanders would lead one to suspect a greater 
divergence of race than any that can really exist ; in the children 
particularly we noted a ruddy freshness of skin and a vigour and 
elasticity of mind and body which we rarely met with upon the 
mainland, where sallow complexions and phlegmatic tempers are 
largely prevalent. 
If it had not been for the kindness of some residents, who took 
us under their care, our first day in Texel would have been dull 
and unprofitable, for rain fell in a deluge from morning till night, 
and a strong north-west wind drove it through all wrappings. 
Our hospitable friends drove us from Den Burg to Cocksdorp, a 
village at the north end of the island, pointing out to us every- 
thing of interest along the route. The outlook on all sides was as 
dreary as can be imagined ; the level and treeless polders were 
wrapped in mist, and the horizon obscured by driving rain ; from 
out of the surrounding dimness came the cries of birds we could 
not see ; only now and then the mist lifted and gave us glimpses of 
pools, haunted by wild-fowl. 
It was here that we first met with the Black Tern ; the birds 
were following the course of the marsh drains, flying low, and now 
and then poising in the air or turning about with a quick fluttering 
motion, in chase apparently of insects hovering over the water. 
Wherever the meadows were rough and wet Redshanks were 
plentiful, and we were seldom out of hearing of their wild cries ; 
* The Frisian dialect, which comes so very close to our English tongue, 
was formerly spoken not only in Friesland, where it still holds its ground, 
but also in the provinces of Groningen to the east, and North Holland to 
the west of the Zuyder Zee. 
