Birds. 5267 



there is no snow on the ground, the goldcrests generally lower down, 

 near about the roots. All is life, bustle and animation, each cheering 

 the other with its tiny note. But should danger near them all are as 

 mute and lifeless as if they formed a part of the tree on which they 

 rest. Hawky passes, however, and the ever-watchful little party get 

 again in motion. 



The Marsh Titmouse {Pants paluslr is). This bird is, so far as I 

 am aware, rare with us. I have seen it, but that very seldom. 



The Crested Titmouse (Parus cristatus). Two are said to have 

 been procured here. I mention this merely as a hearsay, not being 

 acquainted with the fact myself. 



The Bohemian Wax wing {Bomby cilia garrula). This bird is an 

 occasional winter visitor. Some seasons large flocks will appear, 

 then only a few, then, again, perhaps none ; and this may be the case 

 for many succeeding seasons. One very stormy winter's night the 

 inmates of a house in Gardenstown, a small fishing village, about eight 

 miles from here, were a good deal surprised and startled at hearing, 

 despite the din without, what appeared to them a strong noise in the 

 chimney. They were seated round the fire. What could it be ? it 

 was wondered. No one could tell ; but all were aghast with affright. 

 The North wind roared, as if it would have roared its last; the sea 

 bellowed and moaned, as if it, too, intended never to be heard 

 again ; the hail rattled and pelted against the windows with such vio- 

 lence that it seemed intent on breaking them to pieces. It was, indeed, 

 a fearful night, and all crept closer and closer. But still the noise in 

 the lum was quite audible above the roar of the elements. Nearer 

 and nearer it came, and keener and keener grew the consternation 

 within as the countenance of each became paler and paler ; until at 

 last down it rushed right into the very centre of the group ; knocking 

 out the light, filling the place with smoke and soot nearly to suffoca- 

 tion, and spreading dismay and fear on all, who now, knocking each 

 other over in attempting to get out of the way, screamed with down- 

 right terror. All roared for help, and rushed and scrambled, helter- 

 skelter, the best way they could, to hide themselves in any available 

 corner or nook they could reach. " Lord, fat is it, Jock ? " shouted 

 one to another, after a pause. " As surely the deevil or some o' his 

 legion." " I dinna ken," said Jock, " but the Lord hae a care o' us 

 a', for Fm likin' to chock." " Open the dore (door), Bell, or I'll dee ; 

 I canna get breath ; the reek's cuttin' my throat." " Na," whispers 

 Bell, " I'm fearet t' move ; dee't yersel'." " It's surely the end o' the 

 warld, or fat else can it be ? " muttered a third. " But I'll be scun- 



