Song Birds and Water Fowl 
very rapid and intermittent fluttering of the 
wings. In most species the line of flight is 
more or less irregular and curvilinear; but 
meadow larks adopt a very evident ‘‘ bee- 
line.’’ Their rapid motion of wings is also 
quite unusual; for, in general, the larger 
the bird the slower the wing-beat; but, in 
this case, it is as rapid as in the warbler 
or sparrow. ‘The sandpiper’s flight reminds 
one very much of the meadow lark’s; but, 
among land-birds, the latter’s motion is quite 
unique. 
It is much to be hoped that the efforts made, 
in different parts of the country, to introduce 
its congener, the European starling, may prove 
successful, as it would be one of the greatest 
acquisitions in woodland vocalism that we 
could possibly have. A society of Germans 
living near Portland, Ore., have recently, at 
an expense of over sixteen hundred dollars, 
imported a large number of birds, representing 
the most important European species ; and all, 
with one or two exceptions, seem to have be- 
come acclimated to that region. A small flock 
of starlings made their winter quarters last 
year in Central Park, New York, and probably 
summer in the vicinity. The performances of 
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