OUR BIRDS IN WINTER. 
115 
the afternoon, they began busying themselves 
in procuring food for their supper, and soon 
they were joined by the Chick- a -dees and 
Wrens, who were returning to their roosting- 
place in the cedars beyond the swamp. 
Well, my dear Woodcock,” said old Mr. 
Chick-a-dee, who was the first to arrive, I 
hope that you have passed a pleasant day, and 
that you have not found our climate so cold 
that you cannot remain with us now through 
the summer.” 
Oh, no,” replied Woodcock : I have been 
quite comfortable, indeed, and have had the 
company of our friend Grouse, here, ever since 
you left me. He has been giving me an ac- 
count of his troubles, and really, I pity him, 
and I am sure I can sympathize with him.” 
Ah, good Mr. Grouse ! ” said Mrs. Chick- 
a-dee, now for the first time seeing the stran- 
ger, how do you do ? We haven’t seen you 
since the loss of your children, about which 
we heard from the Pine Finches. We are 
very sorry for you: it is very, very sad.” 
Here the dear creature was visibly affected, 
