IN THE ORCHARD E81 



winter's hard freezing. So absorbed was he in 

 the enjoyment of this delicacy that he paid no 

 attention to me, although I stood for a long 

 time within a few feet of him. 



How Robin and Red-wing frolic and flourish 

 here in the bright spring weather! All through 

 April they live in bands, and, to all appearances, 

 get on admirably together, for I see them in the 

 treetops whistling and singing, cackling and 

 caroling in great glee. Then down upon the 

 ground they drop, feeding side by side in perfect 

 amity, Red-wing's glossy coat with its brilliant 

 trimmings making a fine contrast to Robin's 

 duller-hued garments. But unless my eyes de- 

 ceive me, toward the end of the month his breast 

 takes on a deeper flush, probably his wedding 

 colors, for the mating season is near at hand. 

 After that happy event is over, he gives up his 

 careless, roaming life and settles do^^Ti to more 

 serious business, nest building and caring for the 

 mate and little ones. 



There lives in the orchard a gray old wood- 

 chuck, a permanent resident for many years. 

 To be sure, he is not in evidence during the win- 

 ter, for he sleeps away the drear}^ months, co?ily 

 tucked in his warm nest in a deep hole under 

 the wall. But the awakening season stirs his 

 sluggish blood, too, and by the latter part of 

 March he ventures forth, still drowsy and quite 

 unkempt after his long nap, to renew his 

 acquaintance with the outside world. 



One day I sighted him, alarmed at my ap- 

 proach, scurrying along in great haste, to a safe 

 station at the mouth of his den. Halting there 



