An October Outing. 157 



and I am positive not a twig of the latter was 

 taken away ; but old nests are not always left to 

 gradually fall apart and disappear. The pretty 

 white-footed mouse will rebuild or refit a cat- 

 bird's nest and have a snug home that defies 

 the winter's storms ; but an even more enter- 

 taining instance of reoccupation is when a big 

 gray spider lines with web a chipping-sparrow's 

 nest, and builds from it a gauzy approach. One 

 that I found to-day had a veranda, a lawn of 

 gossamer, " all and singular" the features of any 

 home of man, or even moated castle of other 

 days and lands. In no other ways do I recall 

 the utilization of old birds' -nests, but, even if 

 deserted by every living creature, they never 

 lose their suggestiveness until bit by bit they 

 have been scattered by the winds. 



It is folly to spoil the day by wondering and 

 worrying about what has not been seen. Let 

 the restful hours of the evening, after an outing, 

 be given to the better realization of what has 

 been observed. That is only half seen upon 

 which the eyes merely rested. Sitting to-night 

 by the open fire, I have only to hold before me 

 a single hickory-nut, and the old trees, the 



