FEBRUARY, “THE LONG-SHORT MONTH” 323 
his song from almost under my window, and I have 
thought, ‘Yes, there you are, dear little companion, 
cheerful by day and night, in summer and in winter; how 
much we, who are called the “higher animals,’’ have yet 
to learn from you.’ 
“Another thing of interest about the Song Sparrow: 
like the Bluebird, he belongs not alone to us of the East, 
but to the whole United States as well. To be sure, he 
changes his size, dress, and name slightly according to 
location, as does the Bluebird; another proof of the 
adaptability of the bird to circumstances. 
THE SONG SPARROW 
By the road in early spring 
Always hopefully you sing; 
It may rain or it may snow, 
Sun may shine or wind may blow, 
Still your dainty strain we hear — 
“Cheer — Cheer — 
Never, never fear, 
May will soon be here.” 
Darling little prophet that you are! 
When at last the leaves are out 
And wild flowers all about, 
Songs of other birds are fraught 
With the spirit that you taught. 
Still you sing on, sweet and clear — 
“Hear — Hear — 
Happy, happy cheer, 
Singing all the year.” 
Jocund little brother of the air. 
— Lynn TEw SPRAGUE. 
