WATER-BIRD WAIFS 



various other lines, aside from bird-study and my 

 regular profession, such, for instance, as music. I do 

 think, however, that it is a great advantage for everyone 

 to have some sort of avocation, certainly at least one 

 outdoor hobby, for the sake of health, and in any case 

 a deep and abiding love of the beauties and glories of 

 Nature, which makes for the strengthening of power 

 of observation, the broadening and deepening of the 

 life, and the cultivation of a spirit of calmness, optimism 

 and buoyancy, which, if gained, will keep one in spirit 

 ever young. 



All too long, notably during the greater part of the 

 nineteenth century, there has run riot a craze for the 

 slaughter, for one purpose or other, of all the wild bird 

 and animal life of this country. Some valuable and 

 interesting species have been exterminated, and others 

 are all but gone. Surely it is high time to call a halt! 

 Fortunately, during recent years, and notably in the 

 last two decades, there has set in a mighty tide of in- 

 terest in these wild creatures — of sympathetic study of 

 their habits, of kindness to them and of laws for their 

 protection. The more universal this humane sentiment 

 becomes, the better for our beautiful and harmless wild 

 life, and the enjoyment of it by increasing multitudes. 

 Many factors aid in the spread of this movement, min- 

 imizing the desire to kill and multiplying enjoyment of 

 wild bird and animal life unharmed and at peace in 

 natural surroundings, not the least of which is already 

 proving to be "the sport of bird study." 



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