PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS 89 



it may be with all the advantages of man-made art, 

 is incomplete without the songs of birds. 



They are an important part of the world in 

 which they live, not only for their esthetic endow- 

 ments, but for the many services they perform. No 

 land could be long inhabited and cultivated suc- 

 cessfully were it entirely barren of birds. They 

 serve nature and promote, by their activities, the 

 ends of life, and in song give praise to the joys of 

 living. The bright religion of healthy-mindedness 

 is their great contribution to the world, by example 

 and by the joy they bring in their music. 



The gift of song varies as widely in birds as it 

 does in human beings; each species has its range 

 of voice and definite compass, and each sings its 

 own individual notes in its own peculiar manner. 

 A number of birds have melodies which their tribe 

 has agreed is "their" song, and they sing it only; 

 while others, like the mocking-bird, canary, bull- 

 finch, etc., learn to sing many songs of varied 

 lengths and significance. 



Environment undoubtedly has great influence 

 upon the musical talent and accomplishments of 

 birds, just as among human beings. Especially is 

 this true of their musical environment, for birds not 

 only possess instruments upon which to perform, 

 but a rare talent and adaptability for learning 



