Evening star., 1947-03-03
This and That
By Charles E. Trace1pell
ARLINGTON, Va.

ARLINGTON, Va.
Dear Sir:
with all the quiet certainty of power
beyond mans offcious meddling, the
strangely beautiful embodiment of snow
wrapped Its mantle about the shivering
earth.
The outdoor world became a land
scape of indescribable purity, its new
contours elevated in smooth, unbroken
white. AS the mist Of tiny flying par
ttcles formed fragile but tenacious
curtain, familiar objects were alter
nately obscured and revealed.
"The character of the fall was unique
IN the drive Of its movement, and in the
ethereal appeal Of its message, for while
it touched the upturned face gently it
buffeted any advance.
ut was a snowfall Of ceaseless seek
ing, for even as the spotless covering
was blown or swept away, new flakes
were there, as though the sky element
sought to claim every inch of its hold
ing.
I'm spite Of the wind, 1t did not drift
into such peculiar forms as did the
Palm Sunday snow of Al, which bent
world into a phantasmagoria Of strange
shapes.
"This fall had the appearance of
rtghtness, even far in the night when
the storm had ragged for hours. Then
the giant waves of wind driven snow
were like friendly ghosts, sweeping away
all unclean things.
"The birds were terribly harassed by
the wind. They kept to what cover they
could find. To liven their numb claws,
they jumped up and down as If they were
dancing.
THANK you for your constant thought
Of all small creatures. Their heaven
must be filled with songs and sounds of
gratitude to you, their friend.
Sincerely, A. G. S."
Il ~
Local birds managed the deep snow
very well. In recent years, thousands
more householders are In the habit of
feeding them daily, and with the COM
ing of snow renew their efforts in the
behalf Of bird life.
Deep SHOWS also excite the pity Of
thousands Of persons who have not yet
discovered the pleasure and real good In
bird feeding. Not only does this COM
bined indoor outdoor sport please the
human element In the scene, the
healthy. the child, the invalid, but 1t
also conserves bird life, and keeps them
to protect gardens next summer.
Unknown numbers Of loaves Of bread
appear upon the snow as If by a
miracle. The birds find these, and are
aided.
Doc,,1, r1,, .r4, h1tsras s>>S;~~ .l.tt.
do land-office business. If feeders are
kept filled, the birds soon dig down to
the food.
In deep SHOWS, it Is good to clear out
sort of bathtub-Shaped depression,
and at the bottom Of this put grains.
seeds, raisins, slices Of bread, and apples
cut in half.
There is little need to put out water
for the birds, since they are adept at
eating snow. Patches of dirt and sand
would be better helps In deep snow than
water baths.
In the deepest Of the snow we saw an
old starting standing on the back Of
another, while both pecked ferociously
at slice of bread.
Few birds are more intelligent than
starlings.
Birds have higher temperatures than
man, and marvellous clothes" in the
form of feathers and food. Yes, food is
the real overcoat of the wintering bird
and small animals. As long as they can
find something to eat. they can survive
any weather. The starting has an even
higher temperature than most birds,
and its feet are more easily frozen. That
is why 1t seeks the Lodges Of heated
buildings to roost. A nuisance, perhaps,
but very intelligent proceeding. Un-
wary birds perched on metal roots often
freeze fast