166 ANNALS OF BIRD LIFE. 



means that standard of perfection is maintained 

 which is requisite to keep species in existence ; 

 it prevents their deterioration and keeps all living 

 things in harmony with the ever changing con- 

 ditions of their life. 



But the autumn draws on apace. Day by 

 day we miss the birds of summer ; they are 

 leaving us in thousands with every favourable 

 wind. Other birds pour in from higher latitudes 

 everywhere throughout the northern hemi- 

 sphere the departure of the summer birds is the 

 unfailing sign that winter is approaching. We 

 miss various animals from their accustomed 

 haunts as they retire into their " winter 

 quarters " to lie dormant during the cold season. 

 The bats no longer flit about at dusk round 

 the elm trees on the common ; the dormice 

 have made themselves snug nests among the 

 hazel bushes ; the hedgehogs have retired till 

 warmer days return. The trees are rapidly 

 losing their brilliant-tinted foliage, the aroma 

 from the carpet of fallen leaves being exquisitely 

 sweet. The moorlands are all aglow with purple 

 bloom, and here and there the mountain-ash and 

 service tree tempt the Thrush tribe with their 

 clusters of scarlet berries. There is a beautiful 

 and indescribable charm about the woods and 

 groves at this season, which they possess at no 

 other time of the year. And then how delightful 

 are the clear, fresh autumn mornings ; how they 

 tempt us into the fields and lanes to watch the 

 movements of animated Nature ; whilst at even- 



