BIRDS AT THEIR BEST 25 



are as distinct as they ever were, and seem indeed 

 imperishable. 



I confess that, when I think of it, I am 

 astonished myself at such an experience, and 

 to some it must seem almost incredible. It 

 will be said, perhaps, that in the infinite variety 

 of bird- sounds heard anywhere there must be 

 innumerable notes which closely resemble, or 

 are similar to, those of other species in other 

 lands, and, although heard in a different order, 

 the old images of cries and calls and songs are 

 thus indirectly refreshed and kept alive. I do 

 not think that has been any real help to me. 

 Thus, I think of some species which has not 

 been thought of for years, and its language comes 

 back at call to my mind. I listen mentally to 

 its various notes, and there is not one in the least 

 like the notes of any British species. These 

 images have therefore never received refreshment. 

 Again, where there is a resemblance, as in the 

 trisyllabic cry of the common sandpiper and 

 another species, I Msten mentally to one, then 

 to the other, heard so long ago, and hear both 

 distinctly, and comparing the two, find a con- 

 siderable difference, one being a thinner, shriller. 



