FRIENDS IX FEATHERS 



affections. He shows no mercy on a rival and spares no attention 

 to his mate. He is a splendid musician and vastly proud of his 

 vocal ability. I know of no other bird that, in the stress of 

 mating-fever rocks, trills, lifts his wings, turns his head, and so 

 displays his passion and his power. As never before I found in 

 him material for studies which were reproductions of character. 

 Yet do the best I could, my likenesses of this vivid bird 

 always seem pale and small to me when I think of the pictures 

 he made there in the sumac, living out his life of joy and 

 freedom. 



All the studies one could wish of young could be secured 

 around these nests as easily as those of any other birds, but 

 Cardinal young are an especial temptation. There is lure in 

 their deep hazel eyes, flaring crests, important carriage and their 

 red-tinted feathering. A pair of them makes a picture difficult 

 to surpass in attractiveness. 



I have followed several pairs of birds throughout one season 

 and made more or less complete series of them, but the Cardinal 

 is the only bird I have followed season after season, through days 

 and weeks of unceasing hard labour, and I have done it in the 

 hope that what I might write and tell would serve for his pro- 

 tection. I think it has. His book: "The Song of the Cardinal," 

 the most emphatic plea I could make for him, has travelled wher- 

 ever the English language is spoken, and been translated into 

 three foreign tongues. In every state of the Union Mr. Edward 

 Whitney has rendered his story before large Chautauqua au- 

 diences in the leading cities and towns. Every year now, sees 

 him coming in increasing numbers. 



He is our brightest, bravest bird. Not only are field and 

 stream enriched by his summer music, but our winter woods 

 during the gray days, in severe cold, resound with his cheery 

 whistle, and, oh, how we need every winter singer! 



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