hues of many of these birds were extremely vivid, - bright green,
blue, and scarlet, being the prevailing tints. We made several
attempts throughout the day to bring down one of these, both with
the bow and the sling, - not for mere sport, but to ascertain
whether they were good for food. But we invariably missed,
although once or twice we were very near hitting. As evening drew
on, however, a flock of pigeons flew past. I slung a stone into
the midst of them at a venture, and had the good fortune to kill
one. We were startled, soon after, by a loud whistling noise above
our heads; and on looking up, saw a flock of wild ducks making for
the coast. We watched these, and, observing where they alighted,
followed them up until we came upon a most lovely blue lake, not
more than two hundred yards long, imbosomed in verdant trees. Its
placid surface, which reflected every leaf and stem, as if in a
mirror, was covered with various species of wild ducks, feeding
among the sedges and broad-leaved water-plants which floated on it,
while numerous birds like water-hens ran to and fro most busily on
its margin. These all with one accord flew tumultuously away the
instant we made our appearance. While walking along the margin we
observed fish in the water, but of what sort we could not tell.

Now, as we neared the shore, Jack and I said we would go a little
out of our way to see if we could procure one of those ducks; so,
directing Peterkin to go straight to the shore and kindle a fire,
we separated, promising to rejoin him speedily. But we did not
find the ducks, although we made a diligent search for half an
hour. We were about to retrace our steps, when we were arrested by
one of the strangest sights that we had yet beheld.

Just in front of us, at the distance of about ten yards, grew a