FEATHERED PHILOSOPHERS 89 



being upon other things, the secret is 

 lost. 



It is more likely that in the sleep 

 which precedes birth, the forces of 

 Nature stamp impressions upon the 

 white brain-mass and string the latent 

 senses to keen susceptibility, which 

 later, in their full development, vibrate 

 at Nature's lightest touch. So from 

 prenatal circumstance some beings are 

 more closely drawn toward the crea- 

 tures of air and earth and comprehend 

 their voices: — 



" We are what suns and winds and waters 



make us; 

 The mountains are our sponsors, and the rills 

 Fashion and win their nursling with their 



smiles." — Landor. 



People who care little for birds 

 because of their lovable qualities, or 

 for their ministry to eye and ear, still 

 associate them with signs, warnings. 



