A CHARMING STUDY. 17 



measured every part of the little bodies ; they 

 know to a fraction the length of wings and 

 tails ; they have pulled to pieces the nests, 

 " clutched " the eggs, and blown and mounted 

 and labeled and set up in cases the whole ex- 

 ternal of the little creatures. All that can be 

 learned by violence, all the characteristics 

 evolved by fear and distress are duly set 

 down in the books. You shall find a catalogue 

 of the robin's possessions in the shape of feath- 

 ers and bones, pictures of his internal anatomy, 

 illustrations of his work in nest building, and 

 specimens in all stages, but in the whole world 

 of these books you shall not find the robin. 

 The soul of the robin has escaped them, it is 

 not to be taken by force. 



I do not find fault ; it needed to be done, but 

 happily — let us hope — it is done, and a more 

 enticing field is now open, namely : to make 

 personal acquaintance with the birds, find out 

 how they live, their manners and customs, and 

 their individual characters. This is one of the 

 most charming studies in the world, but much 

 more is required than a gun and a little or 

 much scientific knowledge. There is infinite 

 patience, perseverance, untiring devotion, and 

 more, — a quick eye and ear, and a sympa- 

 thetic heart. If you do not love the birds you 

 cannot understand them. 



