The Gathering of the Clans. 265 



that bird-life is rapidly losing its one-time charac- 

 teristic features. It is sad to think that birds have 

 seen their best days, and what we now have left 

 us, as the chief charm of our outings, is but a 

 lingering remnant of the great concourse that not 

 only filled the valley, but made glad the outer- 

 most parts and neglected no nooks or corners of 

 the land. Making due allowance for travellers' 

 exaggerations, it is still evident that we have, 

 except of the English sparrows, not one-half of 

 the birds of some two centuries ago. Even though 

 the flocks of red-wings may sometimes reach well 

 into the thousands, I have positive knowledge of 

 much larger flocks than ever Wilson or Audubon 

 chanced upon. In 1722 a flock of these birds 

 appeared one September afternoon on the Cross- 

 wicks meadows " that shut out the sun and caused 

 great concern among the farmers, who feared if 

 they came to the fields every green growth would 

 be laid waste." Blackbirds then were feared and 

 for years after by reason of their numbers ; and, 

 seemingly, when in such flocks they were far more 

 bold than ever as individuals. 



It has been suggested by some one that proba- 

 M 23 



