230 FROM BLOM1DON TO SMOKY. 



rule throughout successive seasons. I say this 

 after having, by close watch of certain orchards, 

 convinced myself that not only the same wood- 

 peckers, but the same humming-birds, return to 

 particular groups of trees year after year. 



Once, on an August day, as I sat working at 

 the north door of my big barn, near the foot of 

 Chocorua, a small bird came hopping and flutter- 

 ing towards me. As it drew near I saw that it 

 was a young redstart, somewhat raggedly clad. 

 The little creature was catching tiny flies and 

 other insects, and seemed completely absorbed in 

 its occupation, to the exclusion of fear or even 

 ordinary caution. Presently it entered the barn, 

 and hopped back and forth between the horse's 

 heels, as he stood and stamped in his stall. Then 

 it crossed the floor to me, and perched for a mo- 

 ment on my foot. I caught it, and it sat upon 

 my hand fearlessly, going because a passing fly 

 drew it from me. Finally it continued its course 

 through the south door into the wide sunshine 

 beyond, and so away forever. Truly, that tiny 

 redstart was unlike all others of its species which 

 I have seen, or ever expect to see. Daft it may 

 have been, but it did me more good than fifty 

 sane warblers. 



Less clear evidence of individuality in birds 

 comes in the way of every observer many times 

 during each year. Spring after spring birds re- 



