162 WILD BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR 



on which float a few fragments of formless 

 cloud. 



Such sunsets mark November, especially after 

 heavy rain. The heavy stratus clouds must be 

 largely the result of the rain, and it is the contrast 

 of these cold and white shrouds with the molten 

 and sulphur skies which makes the scene so very 

 signal this and the branches and twigs of the 

 stripped or partly stripped trees etched out against 

 the horizon. It is on such an evening that I have 

 watched the beautiful spirals of the linnet flock on 

 the common at the roosting hour. 



