A “FA!RV' STORY CONTINUED 
3t 
with crimson and gold. At all seasons of the year there is an 
abundance of colour along the dyke below the Hanger ; even 
in December there are fresh green water-parsneps among the 
amber blades of the withered sedge. Some strange water 
plants, too, are to be found there — plants that have become rare 
since the draining of the fens and are only to be discovered in 
out-of-the-way bogs and neglected dykes. So, at whatever time 
of the year one visits the Hanger and rambles along the footpath 
below it, there is something to be seen or heard that provides 
entertainment for the nature-lover. 
W. A. Dutt. 
A “FAIRY” STORY CONTINUED. 
® OME years ago I wrote an account* of the habits of my 
tame whitethroat “ Fairy,” and many readers were kind 
enough to feel an interest in such a remarkably 
intelligent little bird. He is still alive and well, and 
being one of our migrants and so delicate as to be very rarely 
kept as a pet, I am rather proud of my success in keeping 
this bird in health and vigour for six-and-a-half years. He is in 
lovely plumage, and as full of life and energy as ev^er. I used to 
speak of my pet as “ she,” but I have since learned that the 
possession of a pure white breast is the distinguishing mark of a 
male whitethroat, and indeed I might have known by his loud, 
sweet-singing powers that he belonged to the superior sex. 
Six years’ close companionship and petting have developed all 
“Fairy’s” powers to a remarkable degree. By various notes 
and chirpings I can perfectly div'ine what is passing in his 
birdish mind, and he knows that I understand his language, and 
is indignant accordingly if I do not at once respond and obey his 
commands. 
One special call-note means “ I want a bath,” and if this is 
not attended to immediately “ Fairy ” will try to drown himself 
in my water jug, a desperate act which he well knows will bring 
me at once to the rescue. 
His habit of hiding in some out-of-the-way corner in my room 
is sometimes too provoking for my patience. The breakfast gong 
will have sounded ; I dare not leave the little scapegrace to his 
own devices, and yet find him I cannot ! At last, after perhaps 
twenty minutes’ search, I catch sight of the little snowy breast 
hiding behind an ornament on the mantelpiece, and when 
discovered “Fairy ” flies straight into his cage, and flirts from 
perch to perch, giving out his most exulting notes to show his 
delight at having baffled me in my search for him. 
In “ Inmates of my House and Garden.” (Fisher Unwin.) 
