The Inspiring Sparrows. 41 



bushes are never too near the house for them to 

 roost therein. During the day they are fence-birds, 

 one might say, for when pursued by boys or hawks 

 they dart in and out among rails, boards, and pahng 

 in a way to bewilder the pursuer ; and they can run — 

 hop, really — over the ground with wonderful speed, 

 and look like mice at such a time ; but you are lucky 

 to catch even a glimpse of them if there is any 

 sheltering growth of grass or weeds. When they 

 favor me with their presence, they usually gather at 

 sundown, or earlier if the day be dark, about the 

 cedars and the huge box-bushes near my door, and 

 roost there. Just before retiring there is often heard 

 a pleasant twittering that might perhaps be called a 

 concept. It is free from the metallic harshness of 

 many birds and a source of delight to the rambling 

 bird-lover, something sure to be remembered when 

 the events of the day are recalled. But this is not 

 all the music of the little snow-birds. They can and 

 do sing otherwise and quite well. Even in winter 

 this more elaborate effort is sometimes heard, but it 

 has nothing to do with the approach of a snow- 

 storm. That prett}^ fancy proves to be nothing but 

 a whim in the search-light of statistics. In fact, I 

 have known winters without snow, but never has 

 that season come and gone without snow-birds, and 

 merr}^, singing snow-birds, too. 



Are there fewer of these birds than formerly? 

 This is a good deal like asking if the climate is 

 changing, and our replies are likely to be about as 

 satisfactory. As to the weather, comparing half- 



