In Winter 



And the Goldfinch is only one — though 

 in truth the most notable because he is 

 so frail — of a fine and courageous company, 

 all of whom remain, it seems, as cheery 

 reminders from the sky that summer 

 has not gone to stay, but is merely off on 

 a visit for a while. 



It is these birds that are always with 

 us — these summer birds that make them- 

 selves our winter birds too — faithful in 

 foul weather as well as fair — in time of 

 hardship and privation, as well as sunny 

 hours of ease — it is these that appeal to 

 us most. 



And there are two more in this class 

 that merit almost equal distinction; first, 

 the well-known Song Sparrow; and second, 

 the Cardinal, or Virginia Redbird, whose 

 flaming color on a snow-clad tree or hedge 

 is a splendid sight, that must be seen to 

 be fully appreciated. Several of these 

 brilliant aliens from the South that so 

 strangely forget their natural environment, 

 appeared one February upon the pine trees 

 of a large estate not far from my home — 



[ 183 1 



