THE WORLD TRANSFORMED. 115 



time, or was forced to take this way to work off 

 surplus vitality. During all this time I was 

 hoping to see her mate. But if he appeared at 

 all, as several times a ruby-throated individual 

 did, she promptly sent him about his business. 



It was the 19th of July when I decided that 

 sitting had finally begun on the poplar-tree nest, 

 madam controlling her restlessness sometimes 

 for the great space of ten minutes, and working 

 no more on the structure. Now I redoubled my 

 vigilance, going out from the breakfast-table, 

 and spending my day under the rocky ledge, 

 leaving matters at the trumpet-vine to take care 

 of themselves. On the 28th I started out as 

 usual. There had been a heavy fog all night 

 and not a breath of wind stirring, and I found 

 the whole world loaded with waterdrops. When 

 I reached the stone wall which bounded my de- 

 lightsome field, and slipped through my private 

 gate, I stopped in amazement at the sight before 

 me. The fine meadow-grass was bowed down 

 with its weight of treasure, as if a strong wind 

 had laid it low, and every stem strung its whole 

 length with minute crystals. Purple-flowering 

 grasses turned the infinitesimal gems that 

 adorned every angle into richest amethysts, and 

 looked like jeweled sprays fit for the queen of 

 fairies. Every spider's web was glorified into a 

 net of pearls of many sizes, all threatening, if 



