OUR HOME BIRDS. 
289 
seen on the borders of woods, among the falling and 
decayed leaves, in loose flocks of thirty and forty 
together, always taking to the trees when disturbed. 
As the weather sets in colder they approach nearer 
the farmhouse and villages, and on the appearance 
of what is usually called falling weather assemble 
in larger flocks, and seem doubly diligent in search- 
ing for food. This increased activity is generally a 
sure prognostic of a storm. 
“ ‘ When deep snows cover the ground they become 
almost half domesticated. They collect about the 
barn, stables, and other outhouses, spread over the 
yard, and even round the steps of the door, not only 
in the country and villages, but in the heart of our 
large cities, crowding around the threshold early in 
the morning, gleaning up the crumbs, appearing very 
lively and familiar.’ 
“Somebody else says: ‘We cannot help loving 
the snow-birds, they are so neighborly, calling upon 
us at our doorsteps, as well as keeping company with 
us in the leafless forest-paths. It does us good to 
have our little cousins of the woods, who do not know 
our alphabet, come and ask us in their own language 
for such small favors as we can bestow upon them.’ 
“ The snow-bird is supposed to sing : 
1 Because in all weathers I’m happy and free, 
They call me the Winter King, Pee-dee-dee !’ 
25 T 
