JUST BEFORE DUSK. 



THERE is probably nothing more beautiful or fascinating 

 than to be alone with Nature when the golden-red beams of 

 the setting sun have faded away in the far West until the dawn 

 of another Summer's day. 



The air is not particularly cold, but at times a chilliness comes 

 over one as the mist rises over the woodland glen, but above 

 us all is clear, and on the horizon two or three bright twink- 

 ling stars set off the scene to perfection. The tall giant Oak 

 and Fir trees are just discernible, standing out as vast evidences 

 of Nature's wonderful works of art and delicacy. The Bramble 

 bushes, with the clinging, sweet-smelling Honeysuckle, the Oak 

 saplings, the brown sun-dried Ferns, the Nut Hazel trees, and 

 other wondrous botanical specimens are all around us as we 

 stand on the summit of the hillside, watching and waiting for 

 the coming night. 



Dashing close to us, almost touching, the Bat flits past : 

 twilight would certainly be far from complete without this 

 curious creature with its Mouse-like features and strangeful flight. 

 Secreted during the day in some secluded hiding place, at night 

 he duly makes his appearance. 



'Beneath the frowning brow of night he spreads bis wings. 



And on his cycles never sings one feeble note, but whirs a fright: 



Into the gloom how prone to dart, 



At dawn how quick to hie away; 



He loves the darkness from his heart. 



With all his heart he hates the day.' 



A large Beetle or Moth goes across the face and somewhat 

 startles the casual observer as the cry is uttered, " What was 

 that?" but the Naturalist looks for such intrusion, and is not 

 satisfied unless he gets it. 



At the hour of twilight in the month of May, the Nightjar 



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