80 /A WINTER. 



was as a torrent of ink. And so it certainly is in 

 one's observations of animal life, if one is a per- 

 sistent, painstaking observer. His experience 

 will teem with unique occurrences ; but they are 

 none the less valuable and worthy of record be- 

 cause of their character. 



We hear now and then of misconception of 

 nature some pretentious critic assuming that 

 another sees what is not to be seen, hears 

 what is not to be heard, and attributes to the 

 lower forms of life faculties beyond their capa- 

 bilities. By what authority comes this provid- 

 ed absurdity does not enter into the case ? Has 

 the whole region of the United States been so 

 ransacked by a handful of professionals that the 

 habits of every living creature other than man are 

 known even to the minutest details? If so, 

 where is this vast store of learning garnered ? 

 It must still be religiously guarded by this 

 same handful. The world at large knows this is 

 nonsense. There have not been enough facts 

 gathered to enable one to more than conclude 

 tentatively. A botanist, not far away, remarked 

 m my hearing that he had tramped over the 

 whole neighborhood in search of sun-dews. He 

 was positive that none grew within miles of his 

 home. Another, with keener vision, tramped the 

 same ground, and found them in abundance. A 

 host of careful, earnest, and devoted observers 



