A Cool, Gray Day. 201 



into the cramped category of instinct, could wit- 

 ness the initial steps of the formation of a flock. 

 The scales would drop from their eyes. One of 

 the most wonderful of all the common incidents 

 of bird-life is when two small flocks merge into 

 one. Having met, they discuss the matter. Some- 

 times they unite, and when so, upon signal, every 

 individual rises into the air at the same moment, 

 there is a brief circling about and their ranks are 

 closed. It is a beautiful manoeuvre. But it some- 

 times happens that the small flocks, or one of 

 them, prefers to preserve its autonomy, at least 

 for the present. There may be much discussion, 

 but no quarrelling, and the matter is soon dropped. 

 I have used the word " discussion," for this alone 

 correctly describes what transpires in such cases. 

 To use any other word, unless a synonyme, or to 

 offer any other explanation is to mislead. 



To take to a canoe is to become aquatic. With 

 the wild life of the waters at your elbow, you be- 

 come one with it, and the little fishes in the weedy 

 shallows accept you as a companion now, when 

 they would dart in terror were the shadow of 

 your whole body to darken the water. There is 



