156 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
try proves to him the value of every erop produced, whether as food 
or as an ameliorator of the soil. 
Although in this cui bono age the material aspect of every ques- 
tion has always to be calculated with, there is another feature of these 
studies which ranks high in importance, namely, the actual pleasure 
which is to be derived from them. What pleasure can compare with 
that of recognizing the indications of returning spring, so long and 
anxiously looked for during the cold solitude of winter ? The hear- 
ing of the cheery Shore Lark’s song in bleak and blustery March is 
the first unit in the glorious annual procession of the seasons. This 
is soon followed, as the power of the sun increases, by the colouring 
of the bark on the twigs of shrubs and trees, the happy songs of the 
returning birds, the opening of the flowers, each in its season and in 
its own special habitat, accompanied by the reviving of the army of their 
busy humming insect allies, which, when seeking their own nourish- 
ment, play such an important part as the chief means of securing the 
cross-fertilization of flowers and the perpetuation of many plants. This 
procession, beginning slowly at first and easily noted, before long un- 
folds its variegated pageant with ever quickening steps, soon to rush 
by so quickly in its race, as to defy the powers of the quickest 
cbserver, to note the constant changes in the crowded members of its 
alternately widening and diminishing train, — birds, plants, mammals, 
insects, all animated life. Each one has distinctive habits, correspond- 
ing with the seasons, and every group is worthy of the closest study ; 
there is nothing that does not provide a source of elevating pleasure 
and a rich field in which the humblest observer may reap scientific 
laurels. Many of the smaller wild birds, if treated as friends, will soon 
learn to trust us, lose their fear, and respond to our advances. Some, 
as the Wren, the Swallows, the American Robin, the Chipping Sparrow, 
will build their nests close to our houses and will even make use of 
suitable sites which have been provided for them. Here they may be 
observed at leisure and will teach us many things which will constantly 
delight and surprise us. A study of the lives and habits of the myriad 
hosts of insects will show us perhaps more than anything else the 
gigantic ends which are attainable by persistent, constantly applied 
effort, and by apparently inadequate means. An examination of the 
structure of any part of the least of these will direct our thoughts and 
reveal to our wondering eyes the universal perfection to be found in 
all creation. 
