8 BIRDS OF P. E. ISLAND. 



"Their forms all symmetry, their motions grace, 

 With wings that seem as they'd a soul within them, 

 They bear their owners with such sweet enchantment." 



Borne on equal wings, they are the embodi- 

 ment of independent power. Like the eagle, 



"Firm on his own mountain strength relying, 

 Breasting the dark storm, the red bolt defying. 

 His wing on the wind and his eye on the sun, 

 He swerves not a hair, but bears onward, right on." 



They are the emblem of love. The fond doves 

 are the spirit of tenderest devotion. And what 

 shall we say of the music of birds ? 



"Sounds of vernal showers 

 On the trickling grass, 

 Rain - awakened flowers, 

 All that ever was 

 Joyous, and clear, and fresh, their music doth surpass.'" 



Wordsworth says to the skylark : 



" Joyous as morning. 

 Thou art laughing and scorning ; 

 Thou hast a nest for thy love and thy rest ; 

 And though little troubled with sloth, 

 Drunken Lark ! thou wouldst be loth 

 To be such a traveller as I. 

 Happy, happy liver ! 

 With a soul as strong as a mountain river, 

 Pouring out praise to the Almighty Giver." 



