BIRDS OP THE WEST 11 



THE WOODPECKERS. 



For destroying ants, moths, beetles and weed-seeds; for their 

 tremulous tattoos and awakening calls of springtime. 



THE KINGFISHERS. 



For lessening the swarms of beetles, crickets and grasshoppers 

 and reminding us that ours are " halcyon" days, if we but make 

 them so. 



THE GROSBEAKS. 



For destroying potato-bugs and caterpillars; for one of the 

 sweetest sounds in nature that makes us glad to stop in our hurry 

 that we may look and listen. 



THE SWALLOWS. 



For killing the germ-bearing mosquitoes; for suffering saved 

 to the beasts of the field and for their ' ' cheerful twittering from the 

 straw-built shed". 



THE NATIVE SPARROWS. 



For using thousands of tons of weed-seed that will never choke 

 the grain nor the flowers; for their infinite presence and their un- 

 numbered songs. 



THE UNKNOWN LIVING. 



For working without reward and singing without applause. 



THE UNKNOWN DEAD. 



That have fallen on broken wing during the wild nights ; that 

 by unhappy flight have been the prey of natural enemies and men. 



