1 897-] Notes, Reviews and Comments. 29 



Frequenting the one locality would give colour to the first 

 theory. 



Swallows. — On the 28th instant, white-breasted swallows 

 were observed on the Ridean river, between Cummings' brigde 

 and the falls. I could not determine whether they were the 

 white-breasted or the bank swallow. 



Bluebirds. — Although I have not seen any of them myself, 

 I have reliable authority that they have been seen in the closing 

 days of the month, but I could not get the actual date of their 

 arrival. Probably 27th or 28th. — H. B. Small. 



ORNITHOLOGY. 



Nature has provided us with no more delightful or interest- 

 ing objects for study than the birds. They are our " feathered 

 poets of the grove " each with his own peculiar strain of melody ; 

 now sweet, now sad, now boisterous, now seeming to tell in long 

 and varied song some tale that thrills us as we listen. What 

 wonderful and beautiful markings they have ! There are few 

 who can fail to enjoy the sight of a brilliantly coloured or deli- 

 cately marked bird, or when the hidden nest is found, the eggs 

 unrivalled in colouring even by the bird which laid them. To 

 watch them building their nests, catching their food, hopping 

 about from branch to branch apparently with no object, or 

 stretching their wings for a long flight, is a pleasure which can 

 be shared by all. But half the joy is lost unless we have learned 

 the songs and calls of the different birds ; unless we recognize 

 them whenever seen and in whatever plumage they are dressed, 

 be it in that of the full-grown male, the less brightly marked 

 female, the young bird, or in that of the winter season ; unless 

 we can tell them from their habit of flight even when too distant 

 for the colour of the bird to be ascertained ; or unless when we 

 find the tiny nest in the thicket, or the large one in the lofty tree 

 we know what bird has built the nest or what bird has laid the 

 eggs. 



It is hoped that throughout this year a greater interest will 

 be manifested in our birds. Here is a field for the young people 

 with untold pleasure in store for all who are eager for it. The 

 leaders of the Club will most gladly assist any who desire to 

 begin the study of our birds. 



