40 
NATURE STUDY. 
one rift of clouds a shaft of light is cast on the Ossipee range 
directly in* front, and one of the tiny islands is also bathed in 
warm light, giving us a bright green with mainland dark forest 
hues for background. The surface of the lake is now covered 
with tiny ripples. 
We have made our way to the hill commanding an extended 
view to the north of the lake toward Meredith. As we watch 
the ever changing panorama of sky, mountain, and water, our 
attention is called to the notes of wood and field about us. For 
the fascination of bird study is to know the commonest bird in 
his haunts. We hear the Song Sparrows below us, and off at 
our right we hear the Purple Finch in full song. The farm boy 
is turning out the Jerseys, the leader with a bell about her neck. 
How far away all care and worry seem, and what peace there 
is on the hill-top. 
The Wood Pewee’s note is distinct and plaintive. I heard 
him the last thing at night in the thick woods and he also 
seems to be an early riser. Now the tardy farm yard fowl’s 
lusty note is heard. Next the Cat-bird gives us a morning over¬ 
ture, sitting in a low bush near; the Warbling Vireo assists 
with an obligato trill; the great yellow bumble bee adds a low 
bass to the other sounds as he sips the honey from the red 
clover. 
The Oven-bird and Black Throated Green sing in the same 
spot where we have heard them for many days. In an orchard 
we discover a family of three or four King birds, clamoring for 
breakfast, and flitting from tree to tree, vainly trying to be first 
for a morsel. Farther along we catch the peculiar song of the 
Chewink with its laughing final note. And during the entire 
time, since we reached the hill, the Field Sparrow has kept up 
a running accompaniment. 
Haven’t the Goldfinches any young offspring to feed now ? 
They seem to be flitting everywhere ; in wave like undulations 
they pass and repass above our heads singing, “ Per-chic-o ree, 
per-chic-o-ree.” 
We are glad that the clouds are being lifted, and blown away 
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