34 



THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE 



In the city kindly nature dulls the hearing, that an 

 infinite medley of jarring noises cannot torture 

 and distract the long-term prisoners beyond the 

 bounds of endurance. The great jumble becomes 

 inaudible, like the roar of Niagara to dwellers in its 

 vicinity. But once beyond the screaming of trolleys, 

 the pulsating thunder of locomotives, and the sub- 

 dued din of industrial life, the senses awaken and the 

 many voices of the woods grow distinct. Although 

 every bird-call blends naturally and harmoniously 

 with its surroundings, it comes clearly to the ear, 

 bringing a message of conscious life, separate and 

 distinct, but still a part of an all-pervading, har- 

 monious sound. The spirit of growth is in the air. 

 Do we hear the rustle of its countless vibrations 

 newly-awakened or only feel the throbbing energy 

 of its presence ;" Perhaps it steals upon us through 

 senses far more subtle and mysterious. The silent 

 Robin on the naked limb seems listening to the sap 

 surging through the solid trunk beside him. But 

 along comes a Sap-sucker with spasmodic flight and 

 dispels the delusion by going to work in a most 

 methodical way. His membership in the Wood- 



