STEPPING-STONES 21 



chestnut-backed chickadee, searched assiduously 

 for a perfect nesting-place. 



Hanging on to the end of a dwarf alder bough, 

 swinging above the calf's wet nose, was the half- 

 built nest of the golden-crowned kinglet, an exquis- 

 ite in tiny birds. Moss framed its outer covering, 

 and feathers the inside, and to compact and cement 

 the whole the spiders had contributed lavishly of 

 their webs. 



Close to the surface of the water an iridescent 

 belted kingfisher hawked for insects, his crest in 

 spring splendour, and all else of him resplendent. 

 From every side came the liquid, trilling tones of 

 the hermit thrush, drowning the choir of energetic 

 ducks. 



*i 



It is spring ! It is spring ! 



The bush people should not remain in ignorance 

 of the season, an the thrush could help it. 



Before the cow had time to realize that she was 

 thoroughly awake, the calf asked why the dogs 

 allied to the wolves fought against the wilderness 

 people. What about the law of Bush Brotherhood 



