66 



polenta. Large numbers are taken. In the south gunners 

 often carry an assortment of tiny cages containing bhnded 

 decoys — Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Linnets — which call and 

 sing incessantly, and, by attracting their kind, sa\«e the gun a deal 

 of walking, while securing sitting shots. They leave few sur- 

 vivors of the birds that come every A^dnter to the shelter of the 

 coast, especially Goldfinches, Siskins, and Blackcap Warblers. 

 Every few years an immigration of Coal Tits takes place, and 

 these are so easy to catch with lime that they are sold by hundreds, 

 and one wonders whether any ever get out of the country again. 

 CiAdlization will have made a good advance when man 

 throughout the globe can endorse the welcome to the spring 

 birds we read in " May Day," and can — 



" Greet with joy the choral trains, 

 Fresh from palms and Cuba's canes. 

 Best gems of Nature's cabinet, 

 With dews of tropic morning wet. 

 Beloved of children, bards, and spring, 

 O birds, your perfect virtues bring. 

 Your song, your forms, yoiu" rhythraic flight, 

 Your manners for the heart's delight. 

 Nestle in hedge, or barn, or roof. 

 Here weave your chamber weather-proof. 

 Forgive our harms, and condescend 

 To man, as to a lubber friend, 

 And, generous, teach his awkward race 

 Courage, and probity, and grace ! " 



