MUSICAL TREES 139 



their homes in the trees, there are in every forest 

 myriads of humble dwellers in moss and grass who 

 have their individual little songs to sing tiny con- 

 tributions to the great symphony of the great out- 

 doors. 



In the tree world music undoubtedly reaches its 

 highest development among the birds. Though 

 some of their songs are short in range and variety, 

 they are often indescribably sweet and almost al- 

 ways in perfect keeping with their surroundings. 

 The mocking bird has no rival, and he sings both 

 day and night. In the forest most birds welcome 

 the glad beginning of each morning with a burst 

 of melody, quiet down during the heat and drowsi- 

 ness of midday and later indulge again in their 

 evening song. In the lull just preceding a storm 

 the cry of the white- throated sparrow may often 

 be heard. It utters a half-dozen sweet, plaintive 

 notes which are exquisitely interpretative of the 

 hour. When watching a storm from the shore of 

 a lake one can often hear the demonic laughter of 

 the loon high above the howling wind. Like a kite 

 above the water it soars, in very shape and embodi- 

 ment the spirit of the gale. In the quiet coolness 

 of a summer evening what is more in harmony than 

 the liquid notes of the thrush? 



Everywhere one goes in a forest he finds myriads 



