flotes of tbe 1FU0bt 



watch you; but whatever the creature, the sur- 

 roundings set it in a new light to you. If only 

 day-time acquaintances before, they are strangers 

 now. Unless constantly on guard, you will very 

 fancifully interpret everything you see. 



When the moon is higher in the heavens, and 

 the shadows short and crisp, the woods are more 

 real to you, and the distorted images lurk only in 

 the underbrush. Then look for startling effects, 

 when the dusty cobwebs float before you. It is 

 fortunate if you have not anticipated these, for there 

 is much in store for you, and an hour will slip by 

 before you suspect how late it is growing, while 

 you try to determine what this is that blocks your 

 way, or stands guard to seize you if you dare to 

 pass it. One dew-spangled web, glittering, and 

 moving to and fro in bright moonlight, I finally 

 determined was my neighbor's cow, and so drew 

 near. How glad I was to be alone when I made the 

 discovery that awaited me. It is never pleasant to 

 be called a fool, yet how frequently we deserve it ! 



In all such places, where the animal life is shy 

 from long persecution, and you may not see a 

 mouse or hear the squeak of a chipmunk, there 

 will be insect-life without stint ; and this, at night, 

 is superlatively noisy. Leaf crickets and katydids 

 may drown all other sounds, but besides these 

 there are the buzzing and humming of moths and 

 beetles captured in cobwebs, and such sounds are 

 not always interpreted at once. Hearing such a 

 35 



