shows us that during the Glacial period the Sahara was a sea, so that there has been a good geographical reason, both before and since that era, for our migratory birds reaching their southern limit in that particular latitude. In our walk along the river side, it may be that we disturbed a stately-looking Heron (Ardea cinerea), who had previously been steadily looking at the water as if he contemplated suicide. This bird was once very commonly distributed, and still is in certain localities. It is a pity it should have been so hunted down, for it forms a conspicuous object in river scenery. In Norfolk it is still common in many parts, and pairs may not unfrequently be seen flying over the city of Norwich in the daytime. But perhaps the place where it is actually abundant is on the banks of the Orwell, from Ipswich to Harwich. Here, at low water, you may see scores of these birds fishing. It is quite as abundant in the river Deben, which runs up to Woodbridge; and also in the Stour, which joins the Orwell near Harwich. The extensive mudbanks of these estuarine rivers would look quite solitary were it not for the numerous herons and gulls. It is an unsocial bird, and prefers solitude to company. Still, you may generally expect to see a second heron not far off, if you see one. These birds generally roost in trees, and a collection of their nests forms a "heronry." The fact of a wading bird nesting in a tree is very unusual. Elm trees appear to be the favourites, and the nests are generally made right on the top. In reclining on the banks of the tarn or river, it is possible you were pleasantly surprised by a flash of colour for which you could not at first account. Your eyes followed it as quickly as they were able, until, when the object as suddenly came to a stop, you discovered it was a Kingfisher-certainly the most handsome of our British birds. From the position it has taken up, if you watch it carefully, you soon see it dart rapidly headlong into the shallow water—a movement for which it is well adapted through its short feet being placed so fai down the body. Nothing can be more exquisite than the metallic sapphire blue of the wings of this bird. The beak is of course the principal agent in procuring food, and we accordingly find, among the various species of kingfisher, a great modification of this organ. The genus has a wide distribution, and therefore it may also be supposed to possess a comparatively high geological antiquity-these two facts being usually complementary. It is more than likely that you may watch the kingfisher dive five or six times without securing a fish, for this act seems to partake with it very much of the character of a lottery. It has recently been ascertained, however, that on such seemingly fruitless divings it is really hunting for water-beetles. It is exceedingly difficult to tell the sexes of the kingfisher; and almost equally so to discover its nest, |