1 8 Idylls of the Field. - 



in the snow. All the cold-hearted race of reptiles are 

 asleep. The badger seldom stirs abroad in the depth 

 of winter, sleeping out the barren hours among the 

 grass and fern that he has heaped far in along his 

 winding gallery. 



But in the lane that wanders along the hillside you 

 may find the footmarks of a score of creatures that 

 have passed unseen, but have left behind them traces 

 that betray their names as plainly as would the colour 

 of their coats. 



These broad marks, fringed with the print of long 

 claws — quite different from this dog-track that passes 

 near, wandering dog-like from side to side of the lane 

 — tell how a fox went by here in the dawn. Look how 

 he stopped at the gate — a familiar one no doubt to 

 him, recalling many a successful foray among the 

 poultry of the farm up yonder on the hill. It was not 

 then, we may be sure, that a rabbit left these delicate 

 footprints. 



Bolder and firmer are these tracks of a hare. He 

 leaves three marks only as he passes, for the forefeet 

 come down so close together that no space divides 

 their imprints. What a leisurely gallop it was ! No 

 horn to-day to hurry his pace ; no bay of dog or view 

 halloa quickened his pulses as he ambled across the 

 road and out on the open hill. 



Here under the hedge and all along the bank a 

 mouse has left her tiny marks ; now and then her tail 

 has drawn a fine curve that makes a sort of flourish to 



