COMMUTER'S WIFE 283 



Suddenly a snapping noisfe seemed to drop from 

 a spruce tree overhead. There was a ponderous 

 flapping of wings and a note of warning that 

 sounded like the passing of a broom across a sanded 

 floor. The tree was half in deep shadow, but after 

 a few moments we could see the outline of some 

 stocky birds that were sitting in a row upon a limb 

 close to the trunk. Another cry, a flapping and 

 shifting, and we named them screech owls, and their 

 number five, evidently two parents and three owlets. 

 Then the dance began. 



If I had ever doubted the capacity of animals 

 for play, I should now be converted. Of course a 

 habit of gambolling is common enough among dogs, 

 cats, and the intelligent quadrupeds, but I had never 

 before suspected the solemn owl of such humour, 

 and shall in future regard it as a professional wag 

 of great ability. 



At first the old birds mystified their children by 

 separating and giving the " get to cover " cry from 

 separate trees. This seemed to be by way of 

 emergency drill, and lasted half an hour, until at 

 the signal the youngsters stopped flopping about 

 aimlessly and flew direct 



They were quite fearless and did not object to 

 our presence in the least In fact, as we tried to 



