236 BIRD PARADISE 



ludicrous side of things seems to be ou his vision 

 always. The more he is frightened the more odd 

 and whimsical he seems to be. His attitude after 

 he has recovered from one of his great frights is 

 the fellow at his best as a humorist. He struts 

 about with a sort of self-assertive air, utterly 

 scorning the idea that his equanimity has been in 

 the least disturbed. Crow assurance has no 

 modesty to recommend it. 



Prom where I sit in my study, the broad slope 

 of Simmons' hillside is in full view. The carpet 

 of snow covered it completely a few mornings ago, 

 and the morning sunbeams were dancing over the 

 crystals as though the dancers and crystals were 

 one life. I fancy they are one, far beyond our 

 knowledge. Just at the southern portal of the 

 hill a hawk was floating upon his broad wings, 

 apparently enjoying his house, all clean and 

 white. Down near the old maple at the hill foot 

 a pair of crows were lazily exploring the field, no 

 doubt looking for a savory morsel to break their 

 fast. What lumbering fellows they are, and yet 

 they fill their crow places very nicely. I have yet 

 to learn of a creature that is without place and use 

 in the great economy of being. Crossing the hill 

 a year or two ago I heard a harsh, loud scream. 



