IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
tendrils, and roots, heavily intertwined with grass. The eggs 
were four in number, and bluish white, mottled over with 
brownish and dark lavender specks which gave them a beautiful 
appearance. After examining the nest and its surroundings, 
I sat down on a nearby log to rest. Since the cardinal was one 
of my favorite acquaintances of our feathered neighbors,' ! de- 
I tty 
cided to tarry. I saw Mrs. Cardinal across the wa>\ waiting* 0 ^ 
anxiously for me to leave. As soon as I perceived this,! J moved 
back the way I had come, about a hundred yards, an 
sat down. Presently I saw the faithful aristocratic lit'fle bird^ v 
dart across the river and settle upon her nest. 
While sitting on the moss-covered logs I began to f 
rather sleepy, and as I had risen very early that morning I was 
soon dozing off into the arms of gentle Morpheus. I do not 
know how long I had been oblivious of my surroundings, but, 
< a$ 1 am an easy sleeper ’ 1 was awakened by feeling 
creepy passing over my feet. I quickly opened my eyqs and was 
^rrified at seeing a very large water moccasin or “cotton* ■ 
) . lp p > ' 
inouthed” snake gliding over me. Apparently, I was something 
hew to him, and at every move he woul 
V 
k 
ently, I was something 
Id stop to investigate 
Knowing that this specimen of snake is very poisonous, % Z T$\ 
mained a^ quiet as possible, although my heart, which was Bea 
V‘3 
