50 Twelve Months With 



abundance in winter was in no way affected by 

 the severity of the weather, but was entirely 

 dependent upon the success of the crop of beech- 

 nuts, which constituted their food. 



Many of the nature poets refer to the birds as 

 seeking warmer climes. The subject of migration 

 very naturally appeals to the poet's imagination, 

 and the balmy air and sunshine of the southland 

 is a far more inspiring theme for the poet than 

 mere food, but the latter is the really practical, 

 essential, habit-producing thing, after all. 



With all the scientific study and research that 

 has been given to the subject of migration of 

 the birds, especially during the last few years, 

 it still remains a mystery, and doubtless always 

 will, and it is not at all surprising that the poet's 

 imagination has been fired by it. One of the 

 most beautiful early- American poems was inspired 

 by a migrating bird, — Bryant's lines "To a 

 Waterfowl" : 



'^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? 



There is a power whose care 

 Teaches thy way along that pathless coast, 

 The desert and illimitable air — 



Lone wandering, but not lost. 



