Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1905-05-05
cL|MPSES Of SPRING
WHAT SEE FROM MY WINDOW
AND ON A STROLL.
Each Year the Bluebirds Seem More
Blue-How to Act When MI.
Skunk Is Near-The Deer
at This Season.

Skunk Is Near-The Deer
at This Season.
Looking through my study window,
yesterday, | saw, scarce hundred
yards away, a small reddish-yellow
object, moving swiftly through the
brown dry grass. 1t was a fox-a
vixen. probably, from its size, and II
was carrying something in its mouth.
My window being open, whistled
once, and the fox stopped short in its
tracks. Just for a moment, it stood
looking all about, but, seeing nothing,
it started off again, moving more
swiftly than before. Presently it came
to stone wall, upon which it leaped,
and ran lightly along the top. Then
it jumped down on the other side, and
was lost to view. But, running to an
upper window, saw it again, moving
quickly down a steep bank towards
a plunging, roaring mountain brook
at the bottom. With the lightness OF
cat, the fox leaped, and, clearing
the turbid water, moved on up the OPP
posite bank. There was no hesitation
in its movements; it appeared to be
travelling a well-known route, and
doubtless it was, for a moment later
the earth seemed to swallow it, aud |
knew it had entered the mouth of its
den. This is the time at which young
foxes in this part of the country be-
gin to take solid food. and during the
next few weeks it will require almost
incessant work on the part of their
parents to keep them supplied with
wild mice, poultry, grouse and other
creatures which the cubs like to snarl,
wrestle and fight for,
The glimpse Of that fox settled the
question of the days work. "The Call
of the Wild" was stronger than the call
of the editor, and in two minutes
was in the open. oh, how fresh the
air, was, and how bright the sun!
There had been sharp frost in the
night, but now it was warm, and the
last few patches of snow were melt
ing fast Splendid weather to make
the sap flow, and where stood
on a hilltop could see the smoke
and steam arising from score Of
sugar-houses. And these farmer-Iolk
know how to make maple sugar, and
maple syrup, too-the real thing. And
if you're good, and if your tame foxes
don't kill too many of their hens; and
if you pay up for the turkeys and
sheep which your tame wolves de-
stroy, they will invite you down to help
sugar Off"
The gurgling song of the bluebirds
was everywhere; it fioated over the
brown fields, and rolled down from the
| hillside orchards, mingling with the
| music of the trout brooks. Never did
the backs of bluebirds look so blue to
me; mere fancy it is, Of course, but
each succeeding spring the backs of
| the bluebirds look more blue and lovely.
And as | listened to the bluebirds,
| became aware that something was
moving quite near me in the grass.
| | turned and saw it was a skunk; a
very black one, with white only at the
| tip of the tail. 1t is good rule never
to make sudden movements in the
presence of a skunk, and l always adj
| here to it. Many skunks fail to use
good judgment in sizing up a mans
intentions, and, if they once misunder-
stand him, explanations come too late.
So | kept quite still, and this fellow
merely looked at me, shifted and
stamped defiantly with his fore feet
and went along with his business. |
think he was hunting for mice, though
he didn't find any while was watch
ing him. But he was the most active
skunk ever saw, perhaps because he
was thin and after his long winter fast;
| tuft of grass to another, examining
each in its turn. Then he passed
through a gap in fence, and looked
about for other things.
Presently three deer stepped quietly
from clump of spruce trees at some
distance, and began to nibble the
brown grass. One was buck, but, as
he shed his horns early in the winter
he could be distinguished only by his
light-colored face. They all looked
more or less ragged, for they are fas
losing their thick brown winter coats
which make way for the thinner rec
ones worn in summer. Next month
the spotted fawns will be born, anC
now and then we shall find them lyinl
still as little craven images in quiet
places in the woods. But the vino
changed, and the deer before me
caught my scent and all heads were
in the air in moment. Six ears were
turned in my direction to catch tn,
faintest sound and six large eyes wer,
looking straight at me. One of tn,
does stamped and switched her tail
then came loud, explosive snort, anC
the three turned and leaped away TOWARD
the woodland, with their white flag
high in the air.
ERNEST HAROLD BAYNEs
Wasn't Posted.
She-What do you think Of the con
ventional woman?