London to John O 1 Groat's. 43 



effect an exchange of living birds between Europe and 

 America ; not for caging, not for Zoological gardens 

 and museums, but for singing their free songs in our 

 fields and forests. There is no doubt that the English 

 lark would thrive and sing as well in America as in 

 this country. And our Bobolink would be as easily 

 acclimatised in Europe. Who could estimate the plea- 

 sure which such an exchange in the bird- world would 

 give to millions on both sides of the Atlantic ? 



There are some English birds which we could not 

 introduce into the feathered society of America, any 

 more than we could import a score of British Dukes 

 and Duchesses, with all their hereditary dignities and 

 grand surroundings, into the very heart and centre of 

 our democracy. For instance, the grave and aristo- 

 cratic rooks, if transported to our country, would turn 

 up their noses and caw with contempt at our institu- 

 tions even at our oldest buildings and most solemn 

 and dignified oaks. It is very doubtful if they would 

 be conciliated into any respect for the Capitol or The 

 White House at Washington. They have an intuitive 

 and most discriminating perception of antiquity, and 

 their adhesion to it is invincible. Whether they came 

 in with the Normans, or before, history does not say. 

 One thing would seem evident. They are older than 

 the Order of the Garter, and belonged to feudalism. 



