JANUARY 
aa TiE: best time to begin to study 
au birds is, for several reasons, the sea- 
| son when they are to be found not 
mG} most but least frequently. In the 
annual circuit of bird-life we shall find that win- 
ter is the true chronological starting-point, and 
on other accounts, which will immediately ap- 
pear more forcible to the beginner, the new year 
is of all times the most favorable for his first 
essays in this new pursuit, whether the study 
be undertaken as a mere diversion or with more 
serious intent. 
At this season there is not such a variety of 
species as to confuse one who has not learned 
what to look for, nor how properly to look for 
it. An adept will often gather at a glance 
enough of the distinctive marks of an unfamiliar 
species to enable him to identify it fully ; while 
the novice would only be bewildered, and not 
knowing how to look at the specimen discrimi- 
natingly, would fail of seeing anything dis- 
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