ro8 FEEDING WILD BIRDS IN WINTER. 



one position until their hunger is appeased, or, if 

 compelled to fly off in the middle of their repast, 

 they have the forethought to carry away a lump of 

 bread or fat, which they can enjoy in private. 



As a rule the thrushes stay away from my food 

 supplies until they have exhausted other stores, 

 but when they do join the throng of pensioners 

 and accept outdoor relief, it is with a calm, fearless 

 air, as if they had a full right to the choicest 

 morsels. When all the rest take flight at some 

 sudden noise, the thrushes generally remain and 

 go on feeding with quiet dignity, as if quite above 

 the silly frights of the vulgar herd. The busy 

 scene would lose much of its interest without the 

 calm effrontery of the blue tits. They perch upon 

 the lumps of fat, assuming every possible attitude 

 of graceful agility, and those who trench upon 

 their domain have occasion to learn that their 

 absurd little beaks can be exerted with consider- 

 able force and effect. The snowy lawn which 

 forms the background to my bird-picture is a real 

 " study in black and white." About fifty rooks 

 are either feeding under the tulip-tree or walking 

 about on the frozen surface of the snow. Hardly 



