AS THE YEAR PASSES 
199 
evergreen relatives in the south* Branches stand out 
in more distinct outline as leaves are cast aside* The 
Silver Birches are almost disrobed, and their clear, 
graceful outlines lend distinction to the changing 
landscape* Cedars, Spruces, and Hemlocks in their 
perennial green become conspicuous in the fading and 
disappearing foliage* Dense banks and masses of 
verdure that blended with the surrounding woods 
in the fullness of summer now stand out distinctly 
among the half-denuded branches, and their shelter 
invites the loitering feathered visitors on their 
southern migration* 
The Bluebird is making a passing visit, and his 
voice has assumed the conversational tones of 
autumn* It is so different from his familiar call in 
spring, but seems to suit the passing mood and 
season* A sad year is recalled when the Bluebirds 
mysteriously disappeared* Their friends missed 
them from the orchards, gardens, and shade trees, 
where they had long been so familiar* Nothing had 
occurred to account for their strange absence* Spring 
did not seem like spring at all when not heralded by 
the Bluebird's cheering note, and the swelling buds 
and opening leaves seemed to lack the element of life 
familiarly supplied by his bright colours and happy 
energy* There was no news of a disaster to the flock 
during its wide winter migration, but the Bluebird's 
friends (and every bird has its friends) were filled 
