OCTOBER. 



" Barred clouds bloom the soft dying day, 

 And touch the stubble plains with rosy hue." 



1st Like a Spring morning. Bright; 90 degrees in the sun at 

 8 a.m. Lark and Robin singing. Blue Titmouse appeared on the 

 garden fence, and looked anxiously to where we hang the meat bones 

 during the Winter time. Saw a Swallow. 



2nd. Bright and beautiful. Chaffinch "pinking," Robin and 

 Lark singing. I was talking to an old Sportsman-Naturalist to-day, 

 and he kindly gave me the following information: Flocks, or com- 

 panies, of the birds named below are called 



A whisp of Snipe. 



A gaggle of Geese (wild). 



A skein of Swans (wild). 



A leash of Pheasants (three only). 



A neine of Pheasants (more than three). 



A covey of Partridges. 



A flock of Ducks (wild). 



A pack of Grouse. 



Are not these names interesting and curious? 



3rd. Bright, but chill October air. Much colder. Robin and 

 Lark singing, but the latter seemed to be at a tremendous height in 

 the air. I am continually hearing them now, but can rarely see them. 

 A Starling came over the garden this morning, then hovered and 

 made a sweep for all the world like a Hawk. I know not what it 

 struck at and captured, but it seemed to be a large insect of some kind. 



Clear moonlight night. 



4th. Bright, but cold, cutting winds; later, driving, heavy rains. 

 Lark singing. 



