22 
A SUBURBAN RAMBLE 
branch he can find, looking up into the sunshine and 
pouring out the ecstasy of a glad heart* Though 
abundant everywhere and profuse with his melody 
the Song Sparrow is always welcome as the spring* 
No other songster so well interprets the spirit of the 
season* 
Some less familiar visitors are active in the 
suburban brushwood. The Junco, dull and darkly 
grey, is yet conspicuous among the naked branches* 
He is singing now, and his low warble has the charm 
of rarity, though but a modest musical performance* 
The Junco 's light brown beak seems an odd contrast 
with his dull colours, and he makes an enlivening 
display of white feathers as he flits into the Ever- 
greens* Nuthatches are creeping about on the Oaks, 
picking out the cocoons that are ready to awaken 
with the returning warmth — the brightest of the 
winter residents, who draw near in pity with the 
advent of spring* 
Among the scattered decay of the past year there 
is abundant evidence of nature's foresight* The 
ground leaves of the Asters have sustained their 
vitality under the snow through the long frosts, and 
are showing signs of renewed youth* The Winter- 
green has not even condescended to droop a leaf or 
stem, and its scarlet berries are shown in contrast 
against its rich green leaves* The Pipsissewa is also 
strong and erect, as bright as its melodious Indian 
