OUR BIRDS IN WINTER. 
105 
with me that we birds have a hard time 
of it.” 
‘‘ Yes,” answered Grouse, you are right. 
It is enough to have to deal with our natural 
enemies of the woods ; but man, by a multi- 
plicity of devices, seems determined to destroy 
us outright. You know how terribly destruc- 
tive he is with the gun; but you Woodcocks 
can know nothing of the fearful efficiency of 
his snares.” 
No ! we know nothing about traps : the 
gun carries desolation enough among our 
families. But where are your children and 
Mrs. Grouse ? They haven’t all been destroyed 
like my own family, I trust ? ” 
Alas, yes,” answered Grouse, I am des- 
olate ; the gun first, afterwards the snare, 
and finally the cruel elements, have made me 
a lonely wanderer through the pastures and 
woods. And you. Woodcock, you say you 
are alone ; how were your family destroyed ? ” 
By man,” replied Woodcock ; “ my whole 
family fell victims to his rapacity, and I but 
escaped with a whole skin. But tell me about 
