422 NOTES ON NEW ENGLAND BIRDS 



necessary to behold thus the least fact or phenomenon, 

 however familiar, from a point a hair's breadth aside 

 from our habitual path or routine, to be overcome, en- 

 chanted by its beauty and significance. Only what we 

 have touched and worn is trivial, — our scurf, repeti- 

 tion, tradition, conformity. To perceive freshly, with 

 fresh senses, is to be inspired. Great winter itself looked 

 like a precious gem, reflecting rainbow colors from one 

 angle. 



Dec. 21, 1855. Going to the post-office at 9 a. m. this 

 very pleasant morning, I hear and see tree sparrows on 

 Wheildon's pines, and just beyond scare a downy wood- 

 pecker and a brown creeper in company, from near the 

 base of a small elm within three feet of me. The former 

 dashes off with a loud rippling of the wing, and the 

 creeper flits across the street to the base of another small 

 elm, whither I follow. At first he hides behind the base, 

 but ere long works his way upward and comes in sight. 

 He is a gray-brown, a low curve from point of beak to 

 end of tail, resting flat against the tree. 



Dec. 30, 1855. He who would study birds' nests must 

 look for them in November and in winter as well as in 

 midsummer, for then the trees are bare and he can see 

 them, and the swamps and streams are frozen and he 

 can approach new kinds. He will often be surprised to 

 find how many have haunted where he little suspected, 

 and will receive many hints accordingly, which he can 

 act upon in the summer. I am surprised to find many 

 new ones (i. e. not new species) in groves which I 

 had examined several times with particular care in the 

 summer. 



