I had forgotten you were a bird-watcher till you reminded me just now. You went in for it at Oxford, I remember. It isn't a thing I would care to do myself. Not," I hastened to add, "that I've anything against bird-watching. Must be most interesting, besides keeping you" – I was about to say "out of the public houses" but thought it better to change it to "out in the open air". "What's the procedure?" I went on. "I suppose you lurk in a bush till a bird comes along, and then you out with the glasses and watch it.
The speaker recalls a conversation about bird-watching, which they had not remembered until reminded. They note that the other person pursued this interest while at Oxford, but express a lack of personal interest in the hobby. They acknowledge that bird-watching might be engaging and beneficial for spending time outdoors, avoiding drinking establishments.
Continuing the exchange, the speaker inquires about the process of bird-watching. They humorously suggest that it involves hiding in a bush and using binoculars to observe the birds as they come into view.
