522 THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 
responsive sentiment. An elevated feeling, as we know 1astinc- 
tively, is not the result of calculation or forethought, but comes 
upon us spontaneously—just how we do not understand. By 
cultivation, the awakened sentiment grows in intensity, and the 
emotional element contributes not a little to the persistent devo- 
tion that is a characteristic of enthusiasm. 
Now let us apply these ideas to the subject of bird life. 
There is in all living things much of paramount interest, and 
worthy of man’s serious study. Life, in all its grades, is a great 
mystery, and to investigate its myriad phases, naturally challenges 
the astuteness of the human intellect. And when those beautiful 
creatures which we call birds are the particular form of life chosen 
for patient observation, we have an interest that quickly grows 
to be intensely satisfying. So much is manifest in the life of a 
bird that both our senses and our intellect find matter for almost 
indefinite investigation. 
No doubt most persons at first do not acquire a scientific 
interest in birds, but are led gradually from the emotional to the 
philosophic aspect of the subject. I suppose also that individual 
temperament will decide what amount of attention each one will 
eventually give to the aesthetic and scientific phases of ornithology. 
In this matter, I think much will depend upon one’s leisure for 
the pursuit. If one cannot observe regularly, there is less like- 
lihood that anything more than an aesthetic interest in birds will 
be developed. But even this is well worth the time that is spent 
in studying the habits of the many species of birds which are fouad 
in our parks or in the country. 
What pure pleasure is there in strolling leisurely tito the 
country, with only nature for our companion. As soon as we 
reach the limits of the city, we are greeted by the clear notes of the 
Song Sparrow. And as we advance a little farther, the Field and 
Vesper Sparrows will repeat for us their charming strains. Another 
songster that is sure to challange our attention is the Warbling 
Vireo, almost as persistent a singer as the Song Sparrow. And if 
our walk is taken in the month of May then the bird chorus will 
bewilder us. Catbirds, Thrashers, Wrens, Warblers, Finches, 
Grosbeaks, Orioles, and many other species are then in full song. 
As compared with those who have an aesthetic interest in 
birds, there are few with opportunity for a scientific study of 
ornithology. It has, however, been a matter of wonder to the 
