''THE STRANGE THINGS BIRDS DO.'' 259 



These are among the pleasures of the study of birds — the 

 unexpectedness of so much that we see, and the novelty that 

 we can create for ourselves by trying to find interpretations of 

 their songs and habits. Yes, and the uncertainties. It is 

 these that make birding a true sport, not inferior to angling to 

 those who find their hearts set upon it. It is the gentlest 

 of the sporting pleasures, and yet it has the attractions of the 

 keenest. Here is an object for a well-earned outing, a chance 

 of failure, the thrill of the quest, the premium on knowing 

 how, the acquisition of skill and patience, the recollection of 

 delight that will help in dull and dreary hours. And there 

 are advantages over the other sports of the chase, which not 

 only end in bloodshed that is not pleasant to remember, but 

 which are forbidden at times and seasons. For there is no 

 law against birding with an opera glass, and it yields more 

 varied delight than either rod or gun. How few are the kinds 

 of game or fish which the sportsman counts as fit for his pur- 

 suit ! how many are the kinds that are accounted game for the 

 opera glass ! There is no anticipating the results of a day's 

 sport with an opera glass. Science may not be attractive to 

 us ; we may not desire knowledge ; but who is able to deny 

 the attractions of days with the birds when we reckon them 

 with our sports ? 



