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Bird -Lore 



Something in the distinguished appearance and dignified demeanor of this 

 wild beauty renders him conspicuous as a foreigner in his civilized environment, 

 and induces the immediate appellation of "Wild Duck" from every one who 

 sees him. The elevating influence that unspoiled Nature exerts over our lives 

 is manifest in the charm that attracts hundreds of park visitors toward the little 

 wild Merganser, and causes them to stop and gaze with admiration upon his 

 beauty. He so far overshadows his humble domestic relatives in character that 

 they are entirely igiiored while in his presence. Such is the charm of the wilder- 

 ness which envelopes every wild being, radiating its message with every pulse of 

 its life. The beholder is spirited back to the wild, simple days of his own heritage, 

 when sin, sickness and suffering were the exception, and his endeavor to live a 

 pure, natural life receives a new impetus. 



I hope that the presence of the Hooded Merganser in this crowded city will 

 emphasize the value of natural associations to mankind, and prove a powerful 

 mission to the cause of bird protection. 



FLORIDA SCREECH OWL ON NES. 

 Photographed by P. B. Philipp 



