WILD WINGS 93 



speed, while, on the other hand, the last bob-white 

 would shortly vanish, could it escape from fox 

 or weasel only with the slow flight of a gull. How 

 splendidly the sickle wings of a swift enable it 

 to turn and twist, bat-like, in its pursuit of 

 insects ! 



You may be able to identify any bird near your 

 home, you may know its nest and eggs, its song 

 and its young; but begin at the beginning again 

 and watch their wings and their feet and their 

 bills and you will find that there are new and 

 wonderful truths at your very doorstep. Try 

 bringing home from your walk a list of bill-uses 

 or feet-functions. Eemember that a familiar 

 object, looked at from a new point of view, will 

 take to itself unthought-of significance. 



Whither midst falling dew, 



While glow the heavens with the last steps of day, 

 Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue 



Thy solitary way? 



William Cullen Bryant. 



