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A YEAR WITH NATURE. 



on the gravel path, the caterpillar being in its beak the while, 

 for be it known that birds can sing even if they are carrying 

 anything in their beaks. How anyone who studies the life and 

 habits of these 'Common' Sparrows can have the heart to 

 condemn them neck and crop will with me ever remain a 

 mystery. 



The mention of Caterpillars reminds me that I have spent 

 some pleasant hours watching the habits of a beautiful variety 



THE WOODMEN AT WORK. 



I found on my Privet hedge, about which I must defer parti- 

 culars until next month. 



After the refreshing and long hoped for rains, how lovely 

 the country looks again. Nature all round appears at a glance 

 to shake herself up to new life and vigour, but those falling 

 leaves tell tales and by next month it will nearly all be over. 



There are still a quantity of wild flowers blooming. On a 

 two hours ramble recently I obtained fifty three varieties, this 

 early in the month. Amongst them may be enumerated the 



