THE BEAUTIES OF THE AUTUMN. 167 



tide, as the full, yellow moon rises so solemnly 

 above the trees, the habits of birds just previous 

 to seeking their roosting-places, are fascinating 

 and interesting beyond all description. The 

 broad brown stubbles which crackle sharply 

 under our feet as we step across them, and the 

 fields of turnips dripping wet with dew, are 

 chosen haunts of wild life, full of charm for the 

 naturalist; whilst the grass meadows and the brook- 

 side will reveal a rich variety of stirring incident. 



At all seasons of the year birds congregate 

 where food is most abundant. In spring and 

 summer food supplies are more dispersed than in 

 autumn and winter ; consequently, during the 

 latter seasons, the naturalist must pay consider- 

 able attention to this matter, otherwise he will 

 miss much that is interesting. In autumn, wild 

 fruits and berries are the great attraction for 

 vast numbers of birds. Let the observer then 

 repair to the trees and shrubs which bear these 

 fruits, and he may be certain of finding birds in 

 abundance. So long as the stubbles remain 

 unploughed, they are the haunt of many grani- 

 vorous birds ; the fields of " seeds " or stubbles 

 which have been sown down with clover, are an 

 unfailing attraction for the smaller Finches. To 

 the beech woods numbers of birds are drawn by 

 the dropping " mast," and the oak trees are 

 frequented for the acorns. 



The beauties of the autumn ! Everywhere the 

 magic wand of autumn is changing the aspect of 

 all things. How delightful it is to be out in 



