CHAPTER XIII.
FAREWELL TO THE FENCE.
When the first frosts of autumn come the black ash swales are dry, and there is more life in them than in midsummer.

Hickory trees grow in the swales, and the squirrels are very busy with the ripened nuts.

The ruffed grouse, with broods well grown, find covert in the tops of fallen trees, or strut along decaying logs.

There are certain berries which grow in the swales, and these have ripened and are sought by many birds.

The leaves are turning slowly to soft colors.