THE WINTER BIRDS. 383 



is one of the most notable sounds that herald its ap- 

 proach. And how intimately is the voice of this bird 

 associated with the sunshine of calm wintry days, with 

 our woodland excursions at this inclement season, with 

 the stroke of the woodman's axe, with open doors in 

 bright and pleasant weather, when the eaves are dripping 

 with the melting snow, and with all those cheerful sounds 

 during that period when every object is valuable that 

 relieves the silence or softens the dreary aspect of 

 nature ! 



