81 
Novemser 181TH, 1888. 
Dr. T. Eastes, one of the Vice-Presidents, read the following 
paper on 
BIRDS. 
The study of birds is almost an instinct in an Englishman, from 
peasant to noble an mnate affection for the feathered songsters 
seems to prevail; so that whether it be in a stately aviary or ina 
little cage outside a cottage door, birds are found to be the constant 
companions of man throughout the length and breadth of the land, 
and it is just possible that no other country in the world possesses 
such a number of birds in proportion to its size, as does Great 
Britain. Travellers on the continent of Europe often notice how 
few birds they see, and although they may be there, and may be 
found by alittle searching for, they do not form such a prominent 
feature of a country walk asthey doin our own country. Even 
the toiler in large towns has but to get a little way into the nearest 
fields to hear the cheering song of the Skylark or the Thrush, or to 
be amused with the bustling and active habits of the Starling, or 
those of the more sedate and cautious Rook, And in a town of the 
size of Folkestone, we have Starlings, Sparrows, and Robins always 
dwelling with us, and interesting those who love to watch them. 
Moralists tells us that a study of the habits of birds will always 
repay the student, who may see in the feathered favourites which are 
around him, many a little bright example to be followed if he read 
the lesson aright. Birds teach us many things—perseverance, 
fidelity, parental affection, thrift, cleanliness, and many other 
domestic virtues which are to be seen carried out in their life in 
the greatest perfection ; but I am not aware of any one bird which 
exemplifies them all at once. Hear what the Rev. F. 0. Morris, 
says about the Dunnock or Hedge Sparrow. ‘‘ Unobtrusive, quiet 
and retiring, without being shy, humble and lonely in its deport- 
ment and habits, sober and unpretending in its dress, while still 
neat and graceful, the Dunnock exhibits a pattern which many of | 
a higher grade might imitate with advantage to themselves and 
benefit to others through an improved example.’’ Some weeks ago 
the expectant crowds of Folkestone listened patiently whilst the 
connection between Music and Morals was brilliantly demonstrated 
toa them step by step. Now you have the connection between 
_ Birds and Morals shown to you, and I think it is a simpler one, 
viz. that of example, only let your examples be well selected. 
The majority of examples given in to night’s paper will be rather 
to be avoided than followed. Again, a talented naturalist writes: 
“ He who is only half at home with nature on this earth of ours 
