COMMUTER'S WIFE 257 



any place conveniently near town. This fact guided 

 my choice, for we've quite exhausted the city park ; 

 and later on we are going into the deep woods to 

 observe the moulting, and to differentiate the plu- 

 mage of young and adult birds. Ladies, look quickly ! 

 the female wood thrush is just above your heads, giv- 

 ing a tender maternal call to attract the attention of 

 her young. Observe her smaller size, and the differ- 

 ence in the breast marks." 



" That is not a female wood thrush," I asserted 

 boldly. " It is a veery that has come up from the 

 spring to help the wood thrush drive away intruders. 

 If you were a red squirrel or a garter snake, you 

 would get a good pecking, I can tell you; but as 

 you are a human being, the thrush asks me to tell 

 you to go away, and not come back." 



" Really, this is most extraordinary ! " gasped the 

 chief. " Do you take no interest in bird study ? 

 This is the only method of learning their normal 

 habits. Perhaps you would like to join my class. 

 It might open a new vista before your unseeing eyes. 

 I would take you at half rates if you are connected 

 with the doctor's household." 



My patience vanished. Ah, for a tomahawk to 

 hurl! Lacking that, I used words. 



" One moment, if you please, before you leave. I 



