16 JANUARY 1942, Page 13

Full Rations

It has been, I think, a common experience this winter—certainly a local one—that game43irds weigh more than they usually have ; and you may observe the same in the birds on the lawn. They are well-liking and as they grow fat they sing beyond their wont at this season, as the bushes and plants flower beyond their wont. So far insect or animal food has been abundant. The worms still plough up the surface, and flies as well as the dancing winter-gnats are very much at large. Even those inveterate hibernators, the bats (which beyond most other creatures have the power of suspending animation) have come forth to feed. So far our inability to distribute to the birds their usual largess has had no ill effects, though doubtless the hungriest days are yet to come.