FEBRUARY. 
25 
land, in the latter part of May^ after the sealing voyage i: 
closed, among other preparations for the cod-fishery^ the 
crews are sent into the woods to cut rinds. A rind L 
the whole bark^ for about five feet in lengthy, of a young 
fir^ or spruce^ which^ (an incision all round at each end, and 
a longitudinal division, having been made,) is at that season 
easily stripped off : when pressed flat, they are used as a 
covering for piles of fish in wet weather. A crew were thus 
engaged one bright morning, after a light fall of snow ; the 
heat of the sun made the snow run in a continual dripping 
from the trees ; and the little tomtits were hopping round 
them, saying sweet weather," in a tone that seemed to 
indicate the highest enjoyment. One poor fellow, of a some- 
what testy disposition, annoyed by the dripping, and alm.ust 
blinded by the perspiration running into his eyes, took it in' 
his head that the bird was taunting him with the pceulic 
appropriateness of the weather to his occupation ; or perha} 
was vexed that the bird should show so much enjoyment ai 
what was to him so uncomfortable. However, he presently 
flew into a violent passion, flung his little hatchet at the 
tomtit, and pursued him in a rage from tree to tree, crying 
Sweet weather ! is it ? I'll tell ye what sort o' weather 
'tis ; and so on, till fairly exhausted with his silly exer- 
tions, he returned somewhat crest-fallen, to his jeering com- 
rades, leaving the bird to enjoy its own opinion respecting 
the weather, or any other subject of its meditations. 
C. — A particularly amiable disposition, which could find 
sources of vexation in the bright sun of spring, and the song 
of an innocent bird ! But perhaps there was some excuse. 
F, — The clouds are gathering to windward, and from 
their blackness I fear a snow-storm : we had better return 
homeward. 
C. — A few scattered flakes are already falling. 
F, — It is a good opportunity to direct your attention to 
c 
