96 
OUR BIRDS IN WINTER. 
being, and the worst wish we have for you, that 
you will take as much comfort in matrimony 
as we have done. But whom have we here ? ’’ 
he exclaimed, as he for the first time perceived 
Mr. Woodcock, who was quietly sitting in a lit- 
tle clump of grass, and listening to the conver- 
sation. Why, upon my word, it is Old 
Woodcock, who lived in the swamp near us 
last summer.” 
So it is,” said all the others, as they 
crowded around him ; and when did you re- 
turn from the south, and where is Mrs. Wood- 
cock, and where did you leave our friends, 
and how are they all ? ” were the questions 
that were rained upon the stranger. 
Softly, softly,” he answered ; ‘‘ don’t be 
outrageous to a body; you must remember 
that I have travelled a long distance, and that 
my mental as well as physical powers are 
somewhat fatigued ; please be quiet, and I will 
endeavor to satisfy you all.” Here he thrust 
his bill into the mud, and pulled out a worm, 
which he swallowed. The other birds took 
their positions on the surrounding bushes and 
