34 



THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE 



In the city kindly nature dulls the hearing, that an 

 infinite medley of jarring noises cannot torture 

 and distract the long-term prisoners beyond the 

 bounds of endurance* The great jumble becomes 

 inaudible, like the roar of Niag ra to dwellers in its 

 vicinity* But once beyond the screaming of trolleys, 

 the pulsating thunder of locomotives, and the sub- 

 dued din of industrial life, the senses awaken and the 

 many voices of the woods grow distinct* Although 

 every bird-call blends naturally and harmoniously 

 with its surroundings, it comes clearly to the ear, 

 bringing a message of conscious life, separate and 

 distinct, but still a part of an all-pervading, har- 

 monious sound* The spirit of growth is in the air* 

 Do we hear the rustle of its countless vibrations 

 newly-awakened or only feel the throbbing energy 

 of its presence i Perhaps it steals upon us through 

 senses far more subtle and mysterious* The silent 

 Robin on the naked limb seems hstening to the sap 

 surging through the solid trunk beside him* But 

 along comes a Sap-sucker with spasmodic flight and 

 dispels the delusion by going to work in a most 

 methodical way* His membership in the Wood- 



