149 



her nest, there is a great outcry, violent 

 protest and tumult where there was 

 quietude. Other pairs, nesting near by, 

 join their cries till the confusion becomes 

 general. But now, again, their actions 

 are not those they would show at other 

 times ; for, instead of flying ofif with the 

 instinct of self-preservation, to put dis- 

 tance between ^hem and danger, they are 

 held by some fascination to the spot, and 

 hover around, wheeling about, flying in 



circles a little ways, to return again, with 

 unremitting clamor. They may be only 

 too easily destroyed under such circum- 

 stances, provided the ornithologist can 

 lay aside his scruples and steel himself 

 against sympathy." 



It is to be hoped that all the States, 

 frequented by the Willets, will enact 

 proper legislation which will amply pro- 

 tect these interesting waders. 



Frank M. Woodruff. 



Autumn once more begins to teach; 



Sere leaves their annual sermon preach; 



And with the southward — slipping sun 



Another stage of life is done. 



The day is of a paler hue, 



The night is of a darker blue, 



Just as it was a year ago; 



For time runs fast, but grace is slow! 



Thou comest, autumn, to unlade 



Thy wealthy freight of summer shade, 



Still sorrowful as in past years. 



Yet mild and sunny in thy tears. 



Ripening and hardening all thy growth 



Of solid wood, yet nothing loth 



To waste upon the frolic breeze 



Thy leaves, like flights of golden bees. 



— Frederick William Faber. 



