If the bank be dry the level of the water is several inches lower, and in endeavouring to drink the forehead is immersed; often the water is so much lower than its banks that it is quite impossible to drink from it lying.

By the edge grasses, water-plantains, forget-me-nots, frequently fill the space within reach.

If you brush these aside it disturbs the bottom, and the mud rises, or a patch of brown 'scum' comes up and floats away.

A cup, though gently used, generally draws some insects in with the water, though the liquid itself be pure.

Lapping with the hollowed palm requires practice, and, unless the spot be free from weeds and of some little depth, soon disturbs the bottom.