January 
The various species are quite different, as re- 
gards their habits of association. Some, like 
the kinglets, are gregarious in winter, and 
much less so in summer; others, like the robin, 
are so the year round ; some, like the brown 
creeper, associate with other species, and very 
little with their own ; others are found in pairs, 
and some live a very isolated life. 
The longer one studies the birds, especially 
as regards their habits, the more pronounced 
become their individualities in his mind. Their 
traits of character are revealed by their man. 
ners, and not by their plumage, and this is 
what makes a collection of stuffed specimens so 
utterly meaningless. Their various tints count 
for no more than so much paint, and are as ex- 
pressionless as a rainbow. Many a handsome 
specimen excites only the admiration of color, 
while a plain little song sparrow can endear it- 
self to every beholder. 
~ Tam aware that my estimate of some of the 
birds differs from that of other ornithologists. 
Very likely they are right and I am wrong. 
Still, as second-hand opinions, even of birds, 
are poor property, it is better and more honest 
to maintain one’s own, when held for a cause, 
reserving the right to change for good reason, 
27 
