BIRD S-EYHE VIEWS 15

dipping with soft splashings into the tide ; rabbits scudding
here and there; water-rats slyly slipping into their cran-
nies, and bright water-insects rocking at the surface on
reed and tangleweed. Seeing all this, our birds have not
seen half; but they have ample time to look, for bird-life
is not the uncertain thing in Holland that it is here. They
are citizens loved and respected, and protected by rigorous
laws. Stones are not thrown at their heads, nor is “ salt
sprinkled upon their tails.” They are not afraid of guns,
for the law has its eye on the gunners; and, strangest of
all, they see nothing terrible in small boys! Young eyes,
to be sure, often peep into their nests; but the owners
have been taught not to rob nor molest. Human mothers
and bird mothers are in secret league. Indeed, the softest,
warmest nest is not softer nor warmer than the Dutch
heart has proved itself to the birds.