BEDTIME. 329 



roost amongst the sycamore and elm saplings 

 as long as any leaves remain upon them. Now 

 in midwinter they select the holly by preference, 

 though numbers roost in the yews, and a few 

 in the laurels. On every side we can hear the 

 noisy Blackbirds pink-pinkm^ to each other ; and 

 now and then the harsh cries of the Song Thrush, 

 or the more discordant screams of the Storm- 

 cock sound with varying distinctness from the 

 evergreens. Quarrels frequently take place for 

 favourite corners, and for the best and most com- 

 fortable perches ; all through the twilight the air 

 resounds with a multitude of cries uttered in 

 endless keys. The noisy chirp of the House 

 Sparrow sounds incessantly from the ivy growing 

 over the lofty sycamore and elm trees. This 

 plant is preferred by the Sparrow before every 

 other for roosting purposes, and the Wren is 

 almost equally as fond of it. The delicate little 

 Goldcrests also invariably roost among ever- 

 greens, coming into the shrubberies at sundown, 

 after having spent the day among deciduous trees 

 in the woods and hedges. From every part of 

 the dark-looking evergreens we can hear the 

 flutter of wings as sleepy birds settle down among 

 the branches. The Robin still sings on into the 

 deepening darkness, and his lovely strains are 

 heard long after his form is lost in the gloom. 

 Now and then, as if following the baton of some 

 invisible leader, the songs and cries are hushed, 

 and perfect quietness prevails for a few moments ; 



