AFTER THE SNOWSTORM. 221 



turnip. Shy birds become tame after the snow, and 

 such timid species as Ring Doves, Fieldfares, Missel- 

 thrushes, Jays and Magpies are seen close to houses, 

 and in places where they are never met with under 

 ordinary circumstances. In a word, the observer has 

 unusual facilities for studying his feathered favourites 

 after the snowstorm ; and a walk abroad as soon as the 

 flakes have ceased to fall, especially in early morning, 

 will be full of interest. Birds for the moment are con- 

 fused, are apt to allow a near approach, and crowd into 

 a few favoured spots where food and shelter can be 

 obtained. At such a time the shrubberies, and the fields 

 and hedges near them, are the chosen haunts of birds, 

 and their movements in the snow furnish a rich fund of 

 amusement to him who is enamoured of birds and their 

 ways. In these few remarks I have purposely omitted 

 all mention of the tracks left upon the snow by birds 

 and beasts. At some other time we will trace out 

 together this writing on the snow, and read the story of 

 the birds and animals which they leave behind them 

 engraved upon its gleaming surface.* 



* See " Annals of Bird Life," p. 296. 



