What the Blackbird Said

With the exception of the Scotch firs and other fortunate evergreens,there was nothing to be seen on all sides but leafless branches standingout sharply against the cold, grey sky. The ground was frozen, andentirely covered with snow, for there had been a heavy fall during thenight. The way-marks of field and road were obliterated, all was onesheet of dazzling whiteness. Here and there a little mound marked thespot where a flower-bed lay buried, and there was one narrow path wherethe snow was th