212 NATURE AND WOODCRAFT. 



every tree. Shaggy and lichened bark covers 

 the pine wood floors. Upon depths of pine- 

 needles other needles drop, blotting out all fair 

 vegetation. Yet the deadness and dreariness 

 of these tree-tracts have become animate for a 

 while, and from every bough and crevice come 

 the mouse-like cheepings of innumerable birds. 

 Vast flocks of Goldcrests are concentrating 

 themselves in one spot; whilst woodcocks, singly 

 or in pairs, dart aimlessly about, and fieldfares 

 fill the air with a flutter of wings. Goldcrests 

 are the smallest and frailest of British migrants, 

 and even now they face the wild North Sea 

 and essay to cross — they know not why or 

 where. An all-absorbing impulse leads them 

 on, as it has led innumerable generations of 

 Goldcrests. 



From Norland wastes of pine and spruce 

 and fir they come in countless flocks ; laying 

 up no store of food, with no husbanding of 

 strength; nothing but a longing to reach 

 that far-off — they know not what. The mists 

 rise from the sea, Norwegian heights begin to 

 don white caps, and insect food is fast disap- 

 pearing beneath tunnelled bark for its long 

 winter sleep. The tiny wings grow restless, 



