25
Concord, Mass.
1898.
March 20
(No 2)
around the eastern end of Ball's Hill starting a
Partridge and seeing fifteen or twenty Robins flying
in to the old spring roost in the dense, bushy pines
on the edge of the swamp. They all came across
the river from the W. Bedford shore. Several of them
sang for a minute or two before going to sleep. I
do not think that they congregate at this roost
in spring excepting when there is a strong N.W. wind.
  As I was returning around the end of the ridge
I heard a prodigious crashing and thumping among
the dry leaves in the hazel thickets on the hillside. 
The next instant two Rabbits appeared and passed
me within a few yards. Once, a very large one,
appeared to be chasing the other, a much smaller
animal. Presently they separated, taking different
directions the small one coming back past me.
It seemed to be in a playful mood darting
hither & thither in the most erratic way and occasionally
running very swiftly in a half circle. I was
astounded at the ease with which it threaded its
way through the dense brush and also at the
suddenness with which it would stop when going
at full speed. I had not before realized how
active and playful a Rabbit may be when
quite at its ease and unconscious of danger.
  I found D. C. French at the Keyes' and
we had a long talk about old times before
going to bed.