tKHben (Srass 10 Green 



of different species can interchange thought. That 

 a sparrow should communicate by sound or sign 

 to another of its kind is nothing strange, but there 

 are some difficulties in the way when we suppose 

 a cat-bird talking to chat or chewink; but this 

 seems to be the truth, at all events. A few birds 

 in a quiet nook, having no conflicting interests, 

 might readily develop a simple sign language that 

 would meet their needs. I looked for the che- 

 wink's nest, but could not find it ; but the bird in- 

 terpreted my actions and so too did the others who 

 were not personally interested, and every one of 

 four species came, as best they could, to the res- 

 cue. I respected their feelings and withdrew, but 

 where was the cat-bird, bravest of all at the out- 

 set. I could not see him, but just as I was leaving 

 for home I heard a faint feline cry, and thought it 

 must mean an explanation to the other birds, it 

 was so pitiful and apologetic. 



But why should we be forever on the lookout for 

 bird-life in some form, when out of doors ? Is there 

 no merit in a mammal, or charm in insect life ? I 

 can recall a pleasant day, not long ago, when I 

 was entertained wholly by plant life. 



Crossing a wide meadow at noon-tide, I was 

 glad to reach a huge hickory tree that stood quite 

 alone, yet within sight of a little forest, and on the 

 other side, the broad, shallow channel of the river. 

 It was early in May, and the leaves were young, 

 but the grass was green, the flowers bright, and no- 

 8* 117 



