January 



The various species are quite different, as re- 

 gards their habits of association. Some, Hke 

 the kinglets, are gregarious in winter, and 

 much less so in summer; others, like the robin, 

 are so the year round ; some, like the brown 

 creeper, associate with other species, and very 

 little with their own ; others are found in pairs, 

 and some live a very isolated life. 



The longer one studies the birds, especially 

 as regards their habits, the more pronounced 

 become their individualities in his mind. Their 

 traits of character are revealed by their man- 

 ners, and not by their plumage, and this is 

 what makes a collection of stuffed specimens so 

 utterly meaningless. Their various tints count 

 for no more than so much paint, and are as ex- 

 pressionless as a rainbow. Many a handsome 

 specimen excites only the admiration of color, 

 while a plain little song sparrow can endear it- 

 self to every beholder. 



I am aware that my estimate of some of the 

 birds differs from that of other ornithologists. 

 Very likely they are right and I am wrong. 

 Still, as second-hand opinions, even of birds, 

 are poor property, it is better and more honest 

 to maintain one's own, when held for a cause, 

 reserving the right to change for good reason, 

 27 



