MARTIN AND HIS BIRD FRIENDS 53 



animals are the many different members of the hawk 

 family. 



"Now we are all here for a purpose. We have a 

 duty to perform. If we do not prove ourselves 

 worthy of protection by doing a kindness and ful- 

 filling the mission for which we were created, then 

 we are regarded as pests and fit subjects for destruc- 

 tion. So let us have cooperation. Let each fellow 

 work with his neighbor in bringing about the desired 

 result, and keep the faith of that first great meeting 

 centuries ago." Saying this, the wise old owl ad- 

 journed the meeting just as the bees came to work, 

 gathering honey from the blossoms of the apple 

 trees. 



"What am I to do?" exclaimed Humming Bird. 

 "You have not mentioned me at all." 



"Why, bless you, we had overlooked you! But 

 you really have a very important mission, that no 

 one else can perform. You are to gather the honey 

 from the Ulies and other large flowers in the garden. 

 In doing this you will carry the pollen from one 

 to another, thus fertilizing the flowers, so that they 

 wiU be perpetuated from year to year," answered 

 Screechy the owl. 



Then with a great noise the birds flew in every 

 direction to carry out instructions. Chattering and 



