THE FLIGHT OF THE BIRD vo 
‘“As to the fatigue of the bird from travel, this is now 
thought to be very slight, as bird flocks that have crossed 
great bodies of water do not stop to rest, but usually 
continue many miles inland. It is, undoubtedly, accident 
or illness that sometimes causes birds to stop for rest on 
the rigging of vessels or offshore islands. 
The Unknown 
“Interest in bird migration goes back to a far distant 
period. Marvellous tales of the spring and fall movements 
of birds were spun by early observers, yet hardly less 
incredible are the ascertained facts. Much remains to 
be learned, and it may be of interest to note a few of the 
mysteries which still occupy attention. Even the daily 
flight of a bird is a wonderful thing apart from the en- 
durance required in the long migrations. Though the 
wings of birds are built on very much the same plan, few 
species use them in precisely the same manner; while 
on a windy day the wings assume a dozen different 
positions in as many seconds, and to watch the flight of a 
sea-bird, as it rises and trims itself to the wind and then 
shapes its course, is to be awe-struck by this mysterious 
power of flight. 
“Snap shot pictures of birds on the wing will show you 
this better than many words. Some birds, like the Hawks 
and Eagles, can sustain themselves in the air for hours, 
sailing against the wind without any visible motion of the 
wings. Others fly both by swift beating and sailing, 
like the Terns in one of these pictures. 
“In short, the differences are so great that the Wise Men 
