218 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



and as we tread upon a dead branch that has been torn from its 

 moorings in the tree-top overhead, it cracks like a pistol-shot and 

 frightens a courageous Rabbit which had been tempted to come 

 from its underground home by the invigorating rays of the warm 

 sunlight. 



"The lane we are traversing is arched over with the naked and 

 yet beautiful branches of some tall elm-trees, and on the summits 

 of these numbers of noisy Starlings are perched, bathing their dark 

 bodies in the sunshine, and uttering in chorus a perfect pan- 

 demonium of extraordinary music. 



"As the feathered throng comes and goes — the birds evidently 

 paying a round of visits this cold, frosty morning — they send down 

 little showers of crisp hoar-frost, reminding us of the salt spray 

 thrown up by some angry sea. 



"And the little slumberer about whom I set myself out to write ! 

 Where and what is he? Peep into this bramble bush, and there 

 you will espy a neat, round nest of dead grasses ingeniously knit 

 together. Go quietly, for see, a company of Greenfinches — hand- 

 some fellows in green and gold — are engaged feeding upon a 

 few dried-up blackberries which still remain, reminding us of the 

 rich feast of the luscious fruit which the bramble gave us last 

 Autumn. 



" Do you hear the Greenfinch singing when upon the wing ? This 

 is one of the few British birds that perform this interesting feat. 

 To-day, in the still wintry air, its singing has a most pleasant effect. 



"Now the birds have disappeared from the bush, and we can 

 approach it more closely. The little ball of dead grasses may now 

 be plainly seen, and could we peep inside, a pretty sight would meet 

 our gaze. We are tempted to do so, but a timorous Hedge Sparrow 

 in brown and steel-grey uniform utters a note of warning, and we 

 must leave the little slumberer in peace. 



"It is the home of the Dormouse we have found, and it is here, 

 during the rigours of King Winter, that he, brave little mammal, 

 tucks himself up and slumbers until the Spring. Could we see him 

 in his bed we shoufd find that he is coiled right round, feet to feet, 

 these latter being flesh-coloured and beautifully clean. 



"His bright little eyes — like black diamonds — are tightly closed, 

 his long tail is wrapped right round his warm brown body, and 

 nought disturbs him until Fairy Spring comes forth with her 

 wondrous wand and summons her wild children from slumber. 



