WILD LIFE OF ORCHARD AND FIELD 



III 



BIRD TRAITS AND QUALITIES 



TIO one of all the classes of animals 

 is more worthy of attention, or 

 more easily studied, than birds. 

 Including within their number 

 every variety of costume and 

 shape; present ever3^where, and 

 at all times; making us their 

 confidants by coming to our 

 door- steps, or awaiting us with 

 newer and newer surprises if 

 w^e go to the remote woods, the 

 pathless ocean, or snowy moun- 

 tain; marshalling their ranks 

 over our heads, coming and 

 going w4th the seasons, and 

 defying our pursuit; surely, 

 here is something for the poet 



32 



