HOW TO OBSERVE THEM 175 



been a hard frost or snow overniglit and the land 

 is under the rule of King Frost. At such season 

 many kinds of birds that are shy and timorous 

 become much more tame and confiding, but it 

 should be borne in mind that birds do not suffer 

 as much from the cold as from hunger. 



In the Winter, too, it is a capital idea for those 

 who have gardens to feed the feathered tribe, for 

 by this means many interesting observations may 

 be made of the movements of some kinds of birds 

 which is not possible under any other circum- 

 stances. Beyond this, of course, you will, by 

 feeding the birds in hard weather, be performing 

 a kind action of which they will not be slow to 

 take advantage, and you will be amply compen- 

 sated by the manoeuvres they adopt to procure 

 the food put out for them, and their bright and 

 cheery presence will also add largely to the 

 pleasure of watching them close at home. 



Writing of the birds that visit gardens reminds 

 me that my own garden has been the playground 

 for several kinds of feathered favourites, and not 

 long since I was much amused watching some 

 Rooks who paid us a visit, much to the astonish- 

 ment of the household Cat. It was very enter- 

 taining to notice the Rooks scolding the Cat, who 

 stalked them almost within springing distance; 

 and not long since a troop of Jays came to see us. 

 I suspect, however, these artful woodland rovers 



