FIRST WEEK] October 255 



the leaves around them. Splendid opportunities they give 

 us to test our powers of woodcraft. A thrush passes like 

 a streak of brown light and perches on a tree some distance 

 away. We creep from tree to tree, darting nearer when 

 his head is turned. At last we think we are within range, 

 and raise our weapon. No, a leaf is in the way, and the 



THRASHER ON STONE, 



dancing spots of sunlight make our aim uncertain. We 

 move a little closer and again take aim, and this time he 

 cannot escape us. Carefully our double-barrelled binocu- 

 lars cover him, and we get what powder and lead could 

 never give us the quick glance of the hazel eye, the 

 trembling, half -raised feathers on his head, and a long look 



