MY FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



79 



as I have already indicated in Chapter III, there is ground for 

 abundant hope, it is among the grown-ups that indifference is 

 more manifest. But, perhaps, after all, one's influence reaches 

 constituencies of which one is unconscious, and the lack of leisure 

 and opportunity on the part of the masses, who are often badly 

 housed and environed, must be taken into account. They 

 probably know nothing of the palpitating joy of existence. Yet 

 the Thrush's tuneful lay is one of hope and encouragement, and, 

 so long as this great musician remains to cheer us, there will be 

 some, at least, to listen whose respondent chords will vibrate 

 with unfeigned delight. 



PIG. 36. NIGHTINGALE. 



I have written only of the Thrush's wonderful power as a song 

 bird, but it has a warm place in my affections because it rears 

 its spotted chicks within hail of my window, and bathes in the 

 pan of water put out for the birds to drink. I admire its fine 

 symmetry, its stately mien, and measured gait. To lose the 

 Thrush from my everyday existence, would be a bereavement 

 I do not wish to face, though I may, as a result of this statement, 

 risk being reincarnated as " the sentimental naturalist," as the 

 Spectator once christened me, in spite of the fact that the Man- 

 chester Guardian, by way of friendly retaliation, talked about my 

 heart being in the right place ! 



Next to the Thrush comes the magic Nightingale, and although 



