tonation as it goes, but alighting again at no great distance beyond, and always following 
the course of the stream. 
Thus gently urged along, it will make many successive short flights before taking its 
final departure. 
The phrase ‘‘halcyon days” is derived from a legend concerning this bird. The 
Halcyon (Kingfisher), was believed to build its nest upon the water, where, with its com- 
plement of eggs, it floated out to sea, the parent bird meanwhile brooding and exerting 
the occult power possessed by it of preventing storms or tempests during the period of 
incubation. The continuance of this elemental peace and quietude was called ** halcyon 
days,’ and later, all times of tranquility, whether physical or moral, came to bear the 
same appellation. Another common, classical mention of the Kingfisher, and more than 
once referred to by Shakespeare, indicates that the stuffed skin of this bird, suspended 
by a thread, was used by the ancients as a weather-vane. One can readily perceive 
that the skin of a bird might be so adjusted that the beak must always point to the 
source of the wind. That the Kingfisher alone was selected for this purpose is probably 
due to its handsome appearance, and to the ease with which it would be possible to 
discern the position of its beak and magnificent head. 
65 
