250 IN BIRD LAND. 



" The bluebird shifting his light load of song 

 From post to post along the cheerless fence ; 



while it would puzzle one to find anywhere a more 

 poetical and at the same time realistic portrayal 

 than this, — 



" Far distant sounds the hidden chickadee 

 Close at my side," — 



especially if the reference be to the little black- 

 capped titmouse's minor whistle, which has a 

 strange, sad remoteness when heard in the sylvan 

 depth, reminding one of the myth of Orpheus 

 mourning for his lost love. No less vivid are the 

 lines, — 



"The phcebe scarce whistles _ 



Once an hour to his fellow ; " 



or these, — 



"O'erhead the balanced hen-hawk slides. 

 Twinned in the river's heaven below ; " 



or this description of a winter scene, — 



" I stood and watched by the window 

 The noiseless work of the sky, 

 And the sudden flurries of snow-birds 

 Like brown leaves whirling by." 



Hark ! — 



" All pleasant winds from south and west 

 With lullabies thine ears beguiled, 

 Rocking thee in thine oriole's nest, 

 Till Nature looked at thee and smiled." 



Listen again ! 





" The sobered robin, hunger-silent now, 

 Seeks cedar-berries blue, his autumn cheer." 



