8 ADVENTURES AMONG BIRDS 



Here is a little incident in which we can see just 

 the feeling a bird is able to inspire in us. A friend 

 writes to me : "I have just heard from Miss Paget, 

 who says her most interesting news is the visit of a 

 gold-crested wren at the Connaught Hospital. It 

 flew in through one of the open windows and at once 

 became friendly with the patients, perching on their 

 fingers and being fed by them to their great delight. 

 Then, having cheered them for a day and night, 

 it flew away and has not been seen since. The men 

 long for its return, for nothing has pleased and re- 

 freshed and brightened them so much in their weari- 

 some hours as its companionship." 



Miss Rosalind Paget is so well-known for her work 

 in the military hospitals that I hope she will forgive 

 me for giving her name without her permission when 

 relating this incident. 



But the effect of the bird is due as much to the 

 voice as to the dainty winged shape, the harmonious 

 colouring, and the graceful easy motions in the air. 

 That peculiar aerial vibrant penetrative character of 

 bird-notes moves us as other sounds do not, and 

 there are certain notes in which these qualities are 

 intensified and sometimes suggest an emotion common 

 to all mankind, which pierce to the listener's heart, 

 whatever his race or country may be or his character 

 or pursuits in life. 



I here recall an incident of my young days in a 

 far land, less civilized than ours. I had a neighbour 

 in my home for whom I had little love. He was a 



