OUR BIRDS IN WINTER. 
123 
a Shrike to hang a mouse or mole on a thorn, 
and leave it there until it had decayed, and 
fallen to pieces, without eating it. However, 
as it is, it is a hateful habit, and one that no 
respectable bird would have. But it is grow- 
ing late, and we must to our roosting-places. 
Come, friends, let us bid good-by to Mr. 
Woodcock, here, who, I perceive, is growing 
.tired of us, and retire.” 
No, no,” hastily said Woodcock : I should 
be delighted to have you remain longer.” 
We would like to,” answered Chick, but 
we must go ; so good-night, old fellow, keep 
up a good heart, and it will soon be warm 
weather again.” So saying. Chick and his 
companions left the scene, and in a short 
time all was still and quiet in the swamp ; 
for Woodcock, although accustomed to wan- 
dering in the night, knew that at this early 
season all food that he might seek for would 
be deep in the mud beyond his reach, and, 
moreover, being tired, was not sorry to sleep ; 
so, cuddling up close to a rock that had been 
exposed to the rays of the sun through the 
