WILD LIFE OF ORCHARD AND FIELD 



IV 



OUR WINTER BIRDS 



T often in the genial days of 

 early and late summer, or even 

 in the torrid heat of its middle 

 months, do we recall winter with 

 pleasure, or wish ourselves sur- 

 rounded by its scenes; while, 

 on the contrary, the dark hours 

 of the long winter evenings are 

 often enlivened with reminis- 

 cences of balmy weather, the 

 fireplace is adorned with bou- 

 quets of dried flowers, and every 

 indication of returning spring 

 is eagerly welcomed. Nothing 

 is more precious to the eye, 

 weary of the desolation which 

 snow and ice bring to the land- 



