8 ADVENTURES AMONG BIRDS 



universal joy in a bird, which makes the bird so much 

 to us, for by-and-by it was with his help that the order 

 for the county was obtained. 



Here is a little incident in which we can see just the 

 feeling a bird is able to inspire in us. A friend writes 

 to me: "I have just heard from Miss Paget, who says 

 her most interesting news is the visit of a gold-crested 

 wren at the Connaught Hospital. It flew in through 

 one of the open windows and at once became friendly 

 with the patients, perching on their fingers and being 

 fed by them to their great delight. Then, having cheered 

 them for a day and night, it flew away and has not been 

 seen since. The men long for its return, for nothing 

 has pleased and refreshed and brightened them so much 

 in their wearisome hours as its companionship." 



Miss Rosalind Paget is so well-known for her work 

 in the military hospitals that I hope she will forgive me 

 for giving her name without her permission when re- 

 lating this incident. 



But the effect of the bird is due as much to the voice 

 as to the dainty winged shape, the harmonious colouring, 

 and the graceful easy motions in the air. That peculiar 

 aerial vibrant penetrative character of bird-notes moves 

 us as other sounds do not, and there are certain notes 

 in which these qualities are intensified and sometimes 

 suggest an emotion common to all mankind, which pierce 

 to the listener's heart, whatever his race or country may 

 be or his character or pursuits in life. 



I here recall an incident of my young days in a far 

 land, less civilized than ours. I had a neighbour in 



