DECEMBER 253 



the fronds of the sea-wrack stirred by the incoming 

 ripples, is a smaller bird which proves to be a Purple 

 Sandpiper; Far less shy than most of its kind, we may 

 watch it, usually solitary, in its search for small molluscs 

 and crustaceans upon the weed-grown ledges and upon 

 the margins of the pools. With shrill note a Rock 

 Pipit rises, acting as sentinel to the larger fowl. 



So the short day closes ; the purple hues of sunset, — 

 the last of the year — die away on sand-flats and 

 shallows, and we turn homeward, thinking of all the 

 wealth of enjoyment which the study of nature has 

 afforded us through the twelve months which are 

 ended and anticipating a renewal of the outdoor life 

 with all its pleasures in the year which is to come. 



CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER. 



Dec. 5th. — Mistle Thrushes begin to sing more freely. 



„ gth. — Meadow Pipits still flocking. 



„ 16th. — Tree Creeper still sings. 



„ 21st. — Common or Corn Bunting sings. 



„ 23rd. — Stock Dove coos. 



„ 25th. — Dipper or Water Ouzel sings. 



Lesser Redpolls at the alder-cones. 



„ 27th. — Remains of Partridge coveys pack. 



„ 28th. — Pied Woodpecker working at a fresh boring. 



„ 29th. — Fieldfares resort to turnips in frost. 



„ 30th. — Redwings at holly berries. 



