I3 o SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



wall. The scene began with a low whistling call 

 amongst them to roost, and the two birds on the 

 extreme right and left flew on the backs of those in 

 the centre, and squeezed themselves into the middle. 

 A fresh couple from the flanks immediately renewed 

 the attack upon the centre, and the conflict continued 

 until the light began to fail them. A severe frost in 

 February killed all but one of them in one night, 

 though in a furnished drawing-room. The survivor 

 was preserved in a little cage by burying it every 

 night under the sofa -cushions ; but one sharp 

 morning, having been taken from under them 

 before the room was sufficiently warmed by the fire, 

 though perfectly well when removed, it was dead in 

 ten minutes." 



Although in ordinary winters the Goldcrest may 

 be able to keep itself warm by constant motion, yet 

 in severe seasons numbers perish ; and it has often 

 happened that half a dozen or more have been 

 picked up dead, and huddled together for the sake 

 of warmth in outhouses, old nests, and holes of trees. 



In spring there is a corresponding return journey 

 of these birds northward. In April, according to 

 Mr. Robert Gray, large flights suddenly appear on 



