4 Suggestions for Study 



out again a little before sundown for a second 

 attempt. Our point of observation would, of 

 course, vary with our precise object ; to-day, as 

 affording the possibility of a large variety, let us 

 select that strip of meadow-land which skirts the 

 lake. It is dotted with occasional trees, and 

 fringed with a row of alders and willows. Such a 

 place attracts numberless insects, and therefore 

 the birds which feed upon them. We must work 

 around to the east, that we may have the sun at 

 our backs ; the light striking on our glasses would 

 blind our eyes, and the reflection would alarm our 

 friends. Be careful to walk quietly ; our skirts 

 must not rustle over the dead leaves, and we must 

 pick out soundless stepping-places. A bird's ears 

 are quick by nature and by training. But most of 

 all we must beware of showing any interest in the 

 tree-tops ; no old moralist could be more convinced 

 than are the birds that 



" Satan finds some mischief still 

 For idle hands to do" 



We may look at them, if we will, out of the corner 

 of an eye ; but we must contrive to impress them 

 with the idea that we are absorbed in serious 

 personal business, which leaves no room for atten- 

 tion to the affairs of our neighbors. 



