81 



November 18th, 1888. 



Dr. T. Eastes, one of the Vice-Presidents, read the following 

 paper on 



BIRDS. 



The study of birds is almost an instinct in an Englishman, from 

 peasant to noble an innate affection for the feathered songsters 

 seems to prevail ; so that whether it be in a stately aviary or in a 

 little cage outside a cottage door, birds are found to be the constant 

 companions of man throughout the length and breadth of the land, 

 and it is just possible that no other country in the world possesses 

 such a number of birds in proportion to its size, as does Great 

 Britain. Travellers on the continent of Europe often notice how 

 few birds thev see, and although they may be there, and may be 

 found by a little searching for, they do not form such a prominent 

 feature of a country walk as they do in our own country. Even 

 the toiler in large towns has but to get a little way into the nearest 

 fields to hear the cheering song of the Skylark or the Thrush, or to 

 be amused with the bustling and active habits of the Starling, or 

 those of the more sedate and cautious Rook. And in a town of the 

 size of Folkestone, we have Starlings, Sparrows, and Robins always 

 dwelling with us, and interesting those who love to watch them. 

 Moralists tells us that a study of the habits of birds will always 

 repay the student, who may see in the feathered favourites which are 

 around him, many a little bright example to be followed if he read 

 the lesson aright. Birds teach as many things — perseverance, 

 fidelity, parental affection, thrift, cleanliness, and many other 

 domes+ic virtues which are to be seen carried out in th^ir life in 

 the greatest perfection ; but I am not aware of any one bjrd which 

 exemplifies them all at once. Hear what the Rev^ P. 0. Morris, 

 says about the Dunnock or Hedge Sparrow. "Unobtrusive, quiet 

 and retiring, without being shy, humble and lonely in its deport- 

 ment and habits, sober and unpretending in its dress, while still 

 neat and graceful, the Dunnock exhibits a pattern which many of 

 a higher grade might imitate with advantage to themselves and 

 benefit to others through an improved example." Some weeks ago 

 the expectant crowds of Folkestone listened patiently whilst the 

 connection between Music and Morals was brilliantly demonstrated 

 to them step by step. Now you have the connection between 

 Birds and Morals shown to you, and I think it is a simpler one, 

 viz. that of example, only let your examples be well selected. 

 The majority of examples given in to night's paper will be rather 

 to be avoided than followed. Again, a talented naturalist writes : 

 *' He who is only half at home with nature on this earth of ours 



