LAZY AUGUST DAYS. 87 



also among most animals. The wheat harvested, 

 the corn laid by, the hay in the mow or stack, 

 the farmer has only to look after his stock and 

 "take life easy." Among birds 'tis a time of 

 lassitude. The young of the season are mostly 

 able to shift for themselves, insect life being 

 usually abundant. In rest and a gradual gather- 

 ing together, preparatory to the long southward 

 migration which begins next month, are their 

 days mostly spent. 



The squirrels bask in the sunshine when it is 

 not too warm, and at mid-day or during the 

 night repose in their bulky nests of leaves. 

 Ground-hogs creep slowly forth, seeking only 

 food enough to keep life agoing, for fat is not 

 needed until frosts begin to chill the blood. 



The flowers of most herbaceous plants have 

 long since blossomed and the bees drone lazily 

 about the hives. All nature seems surcharged 

 with languor and awaits the coming of the first 

 hoar frost to stir its blood and cause it to begin 

 that rush that activity so necessary to prep- 

 aration for the long, cruel winter which lies 

 beyond. 



