Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-02-20

Aucu, dS WdlCueu HIS DFOWu 10TH whizzing through the trees, I realized what had happened. The bird, as grouse frequently do at this season, had plunged into the snow the night before, leaving hole which had been the cause of my sudden descent He had evidently been sleeping late, when the fall of heavy body, almost upon the roof of his chamber, caused him to rise with great suddenness, scattering the snow in shower upon his unwit- ting disturber. Looking down at the hole from which he had come, I saw the imprints of his strong wings, one on either side, left there at the moment of his departure.
 A curious habit this, and yet very simple way for the bird to protect it. self from severe cold and storm. How was the habit acquired in the first place, I wonder? Was it the result of accident? If so, how many genera tions did it take before tho habit be- came instinctive as it doubtless is to- day? Do grouse ever make the mistake of plunging down when the crust of the snow is hard and impenetrable? If 30, they must be badly jolted, and I never heard of a grouse having been Injured in this way.
 When arose the owl had gone. and I walked over to the tree on which he had alighted, to see if could discov- CT him. He was not in sight, but on the snow at the foot of the maple lay dark, spindle-shaped object, about two inches long. which proved to be an owl pellet. With two dead twigs from q nearby tree, I dissected this curious mass, but found nothing unusual; it was composed almost entirely of the, fur and bones of meadow mice. '
 Fox tracks were numerous, and sharply defined on the firm snow. Even the marks of the toe nails were plain to see fin many cases. These tracks differed considerably from the tracks of most dogs, but the differences were subtle, and more easy to see than to describe. Perhaps they averaged little longer and narrower; perhaps they were usually arranged more near ly in straight line. At any rate, as a guide, am acquainted with would put it. they didn't look just right for dog tracks"
 Suddenly saw something which in- terested. me more than the tracks-it was reddish patch on the snow, which decided at once was the fur of a fox. had come out of the woodland now. and onto the open mountain side The patch of red fur lay on what I discov- cred later was a snow-covered rock which projected from the hill side. The fox was evidently asleep. and steal ing cautiously around until the animal was in better view. I could see that he lay curled up like a footstool. his face and paws completely hidden by his large. white-tipped brush. lay down quietly behind bank of snow. and for several minutes watched that wonderfully sensitive. highly nervous. yet remarkably self-possessed little creature. to all appearances quite free from fear and care. Even from where I lay I could see the long hairs of the brush wave when struck by the slight est breeze. and now and then an ear would twitch. perhaps as a sleeping dogs will. Suddenly the stiffness was broken by a sharp crack. as a tree behind me was split by the frost. ln an instant the fox was awake. his head raised. and his whole body tense thEs. a living statuette. and then. hear ing nothing more. perhaps be decided that it was all a mistake: he curIed his tody while stiIl on his feet. and quietly sank to rest again stole away as quietly as had come. out of respect for the memory of brave Iit- tie heart which once beat in the breast of fox I knew
 ERNEST HAROLD BANNER