rather large, loose stones, as a mouse would have done, and then laterally to a 

 hollow space in a bank, against which the stones w ere laid ; and so deep had 

 she penetrated that many stones had to be removed before we could discover 

 her treasures." But the W'heatear does not always show as much caution in 

 the selection of a nesting site. Sometimes it chooses a deserted rabbit burrow 

 or a space underneath a clod of earth in a fallow-field. The nest is usually con- 

 structed with the stems of plants and grasses, and is well lined with feathers 

 and hair. 



The \\'heatear feeds on worms, small mollusks and insects. Flies are often 

 caught while on the wing, the bird launching forth from its perch on a clod 

 or stone pile and returning after the capture, as do the flycatchers. 



Late in the season, when the Wheatear is plump and fat, it is esteemed 

 as an article of food. In former years large numbers of these birds were cap- 

 tured for this purpose. Pennant states that in his time nearly two thousand 

 dozens were annually captured by the shepherds on the downs in the vicinitv 

 of Eastborne. 



Though the W heatear is a shy bird, both the male and the female exhibit 

 a great deal of anxiety, and bravely endeavor to defend their nest on the approach 

 of danger. The male is very watchful during the nesting season, and it is said 

 that he performs a part of the duties of incubation. 



General appreciation of the birds, their beaut}-, the charm of tlieir songs, 

 their joyous lives, and their usefulness, is one of the most significant signs 

 of the times. It indicates that as a people we are coming into our own. W e 

 are living a life beyond the merely commercial. W> are looking out upon a 

 larger world lifted to a higher plane. Americans have always excelled in 

 strength and push and general initiative where material things are concerned, 

 but we have been too busy developing ourselves to see about us the beautiful 

 and pleasing in nature. The grand, indeed, has always appealed to us. Xow 

 we begin to have leisure for the graceful and the subtle. W'e are broadening 

 our lives by closer touch with that which appeals to the higher instincts which 

 have been allowed to remain dormant. It is natural and fitting that birds 

 should appeal most strongly to an American, because they possess that vigor 

 and tireless energy which he recognizes in himself. The birds live at white 

 heat and are never idle. They typify American energy. 



The study of birds necessarily takes one out of doors. Our medical ad- 

 visers are always prescribing more outdoor exercise ; but without anv other 

 object than getting into the fresh air exercise is pretty stupid. Give one the 



THE STUDY 



BIRDS 



By Lynds Jones 



