SPRING AERIVAL OF THE BIRDS. 19 



it the "needle song," it is so finely drawn. Its wild, 

 sylvan melody, like that of the winter wren, hallows 

 the woods, investing their shadowy recesses with an 

 additional charm. 



The high wind that partially wrecked Music Hall one 

 night last October played mischief with these kinglets, 

 which in great numbers were making their southern 

 journe}^. They were compelled to alight; some were 

 dashed to the ground, and others flew against windows 

 where lights were left burning; some of these were 

 taken in and cared for till morning. The following day 

 the shade trees were alive w^ith these bright little 

 strangers, which immediately made themselves at home. 

 It was pleasant to watch them as they busied them- 

 selves searching the tree for larvae and insects' e2:gs. 

 When they found an infected limb they did not leave 

 until it was entirely cleared. The English sparjows 

 watched them inquisitively, following them about, not 

 knowing whether to regard them as visitors or intruders. 

 They were so tame and unsuspecting that many were 

 killed with sticks and stones by gangs of bad boys in 

 different parts of the city, w^ho went from tree to tree 

 in pursuit until dispersed by policemen. 



The past week has been one of extreme hardship to the 

 venturesome birds. The drenching rain froze as it fell, 

 coating everything with ice, thus cutting off the natural 

 supply of food. This was followed by a fall of snow and 

 severe cold. The robins have been silent and dumpish. 

 Many of the blue birds perished, and others have disap- 

 peared. Even with those hardy little wrens the problem 



