BIRDS'-NESTING. 201 



some rare wood-warbler forming a little pocket in 

 the apron of moss that hangs down over the damp 

 rocks. 



The sylvan folk seem to know when you are on a 

 peaceful mission, and are less afraid than usual. Did 

 not that marmot to-day guess my errand did not con- 

 cern him as he saw me approach there from his cover 

 in the bushes ? But, when he saw me pause and 

 deliberately seat myself on the stone wall immedi- 

 ately over his hole, his confidence was much shaken. 

 He apparently deliberated awhile, for I heard the 

 leaves rustle as if he was making up his mind, when 

 he suddenly broke cover and came for his hole full 

 tilt. Any other animal would have taken to his heels 

 and fled ; but a woodchuck's heels do not amount to 

 much for speed, and he feels his only safety is in his 

 hole. On he came in the most obstinate and deter- 

 mined manner, and I dare say if I had sat down in 

 his hole would have attacked me unhesitatingly. This 

 I did not give him a chance to do ; but, not to be en- 

 tirely outdone, attempted to set my feet on him in no 

 very gentle manner ; but he whipped into his den be- 

 neath me with a defiant snort. Farther on, a saucy 

 chipmunk presumed upon my harmless character to 

 an unwonted degree also. I had paused to bathe my 

 hands and face in a little trout brook, and had set a 

 tin cup, which I had partly filled with strawberries 

 as I crossed the field, on a stone at my feet, when 

 along came the chipmunk as confidently as if he 

 knew precisely where he was going, and, perfectly 



