The Evening Grosbeak in the East 485 



supply was fully exhausted, when they sought the ash, 

 the locust or the rowan tree. Often the unusual carpet- 

 ing of the husks of these seeds on the snowy street was 

 the first indication to passersby of the presence of the 

 birds in the trees above. 



These birds are remarkably gentle and unobtrusive in 

 their ways. They make little noise, whispering softly to 

 each other, somewhat after the manner of cedar wax- 

 wings. When they first came, they appeared quite tame, 

 and apparently were quite ignorant of any danger in the 

 proximity of man. 



Unfortunately, their confidence was frequently mis- 

 placed. Many were slaughtered in some parts of the 

 city, apparently from the mere lust of killing. Others 

 were captured and exposed in various bird shops for 

 sale. Through the prompt efforts of the Women's 

 Council and of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty 

 to Animals, however, the law protecting song birds was 

 enforced, and the captives were freed. 



I. GAMMELL. 



The High School of Montreal, 



