MARCH, 1882. 147 



the one close alongside. We were somewhat surprised 

 at this result of our observations, as we fancied the long 

 continued gales from the south-west would have had a 

 distinct effect in this locality, both in the bent of the 

 trees themselves and in their coatings. It seems not. 



As our loch had turned its back on the heavy gale, 

 and was racing for Appin at a mad gallop, while the out- 

 look was dour and drumly, we resolved to turn our back 

 on the loch and seek the racing streams. For these, 

 too, had given over dancing and frolicking, and were 

 heedlessly hurrying to the sea. On the road itself we felt 

 sufficiently disturbed in our ideas of seasons, for here 

 was a redbreast sitting on a bough and piping manfully 

 its breast, in all the glow of its spring uniform, rising and 

 falling with the swelling notes. There, close alongside, 

 at the end of the winter, with the buds breaking forth all 

 about, is a holly tree well supplied with brilliant red berries 

 still. Surely no hungry-bellied songsters have been in 

 your neighbourhood, most seductive-looking repository 

 for seed-eating birds ! We turn aside from the highway, 

 and there are the well-grown plants of the foxglove, green 

 and vigorous, as if they would soon be entering the field 

 as the observed of all observers. The roe-deer are all 

 about us, and very regardless of our presence ; and, even 

 to the sharp whistle we give to startle the graceful crea- 

 tures into activity, they only take a few elegant leaps and 

 turn round inquiringly. Such a mild-eyed, staff-encum- 

 bered wayfarer will not disturb their equanimity, so they 

 recommence grazing with delightful nonchalance. 



Here is another dweller in the woods ! He lives 

 amid the silvers and labours among the flowers, and we 

 know by his face he has something to tell us. Of course 

 he has ; is there not a fine owl in the house that he cap- 



