60 DANVIS FARM LIFE 



sheltered there; nor at the morning foddering, 

 climbing to the dusky mow, do we disturb them 

 as toward spring or in its early days we do such 

 poor song-birds, sparrows and robins, as have 

 been fooled by a few warm days into a too early 

 coming, to find themselves suddenly encompassed 

 by such bitter weather as they fled from months 

 ago. Doubtless the windless thickets of the woods 

 and the snug hollows of old trees are the shelter of 

 our little winter friends in such inclement seasons. 



One night in the week, it may be, the young 

 folks all pack off in the big sleigh to the singing- 

 school in the town-house, where they and some 

 scores of others combine to murder psalmody and 

 break the heart of their instructor. 



At these gatherings are flirtations and heart- 

 burnings as well as at the "donation parties," 

 which occur once or twice in the winter, when with 

 kindly meant unkindness the poor minister's 

 house is taken possession of by old and young, 

 whose gifts too often but poorly compensate for 

 the upturning and confusion they have made 

 with their romping games. 



So winter drags its hoary length through dreary 

 months, with silent snowfall, fierce storm, and 

 dazzling sunshine. Mows dwindle and stacks dis- 

 appear, leaving only the empty pens to mark their 

 place, and cisterns fail, making the hauling of 

 snow for melting an added task to the boys' 



