818 UPLAND AND MEADOW. 



but of a few forms something may be said. The myr- 

 iads of grasshoppers, strange as it may seem, cunningly 

 sought the broader blades of grass, and, securing a firm 

 hold on the under side, stood, head downward, comfort- 

 ably roofed and safe from any ordinary rain. 1 found 

 thousands sheltered in this simple manner. 



The meadow mice apparently anticipate a soaking 

 rain, and their tortuous tunnels, shallow as they are, 

 were so arranged that the rain did not flow through 

 them. In little, hay-lined anterooms I found several, 

 and all were dry as chips. The roofs of these snugger- 

 ies were waterproof, and the rain was warded off from 

 the paths that led to them. These mice were prepared 

 for any ordinary dash of rain, but I suppose had other 

 shelter during and after protracted storms. My studies 

 were here interrupted by a second shower, and I was 

 forced to seek shelter for myself, rather than look for 

 the dragon-flies, as I intended. 



The tangled clumps of wild roses, so lately rich with 

 pink blossoms, and showing the brightest of green 

 leaves, were, to-day, strangely different. Every leaf 

 was in place, but marred by brown splotches that gave 

 them an aged and worn-out look ; but, to compensate 

 them for the loss of both green leaves and pink blos- 

 soms, the seed capsules were beautifully polished and 

 bright red. No berry - bearing bush ever shone with 

 crimson fruit to better advantage. While I stood by 

 a thicket of these roses, in the meadow, birds from the 

 marshes, sparrows, blackbirds and robins came and 

 went continually, yet not one touched the brilliant seed- 



