130 BIRDS OF THE WEST 



properly pointed. They are birds of beauty, grace and dignity, 

 qualities which are worthy of a better character, but their pretty 

 plumage could be put to no better use than to furnish wings to 

 arrows that may quiver in their hearts, and it would be no more 

 than justice that the same plumage that warms their nests should 

 drink the last life drop of their bleeding breasts. 



