BIRD LODGINGS IN WINTER. I 39 



Juncos as nicely as could be wished. A brush pile 

 left by wood-choppers has given protection to some 

 little mixed colony. Tall grass will do for Meadow- 

 larks and Red-winged Blackbirds, and thorn bushes, 

 into which the owl or bigger creatures could not 

 crawl, may protect a spot where a covering of leaves 

 makes comfort enough for the brave little sojourners. 

 If we stop to think, we shall see that a tall tree top 

 would be a much colder place ; and while the birds 

 will make the best of what they have, they will seek 

 far to find comfort. 



THE BIRD. 



Hither thou com'st. The busy wind all night 

 Blew through thy lodging, where thy own warm wing 

 Thy pillow was. Many a sullen storm, 

 For which coarse man seems much the fitter born, 



Rain'd on thy bed 



And harmless head-, 

 And now as fresh and cheerful as the light 

 Thy little heart in early hymns doth sing 

 Unto the Providence, whose unseen arm 

 Curb'd them, and cloth'd thee well and warm. 

 All things that be praise Him ; and had 

 Their lesson taught them when first made. 



Hexry Vaughan. 



