222 
BIRDS IN A TILLAGE. 
deferred, if no faintest indication of its ultimate 
fulfilment appears, there ensues that sickness of 
the heart which is despondence. To this sad 
temper the minds that shine brightest with hope 
and faith are often brought. But the result is not 
effected. The burning brain grows cool, hope and 
life itself decay, but the eloquent written word 
survives, the aspiration lives and grows. Doubt- 
less in this case it still lives in Michelet's country, 
all the stronger for his glowing words, although 
it has not yet had any appreciable effect. 
Happily in this country the case is widely differ- 
ent. The feelings of grief and indignation ex- 
perienced by all bird-lovers at the sight of the 
rapid destruction of many of our most attractive 
species, with the conviction that something more 
than the protests of individuals, scattered here and 
there about the country, was needful to save them, 
has within the last few years led to important 
action ; to associations being formed, some with 
local objects, and others that aim at a better pro- 
tection of bird-life generally. The names and work 
of two of these associations, which have their head- 
quarters in London, are now familiar to every one. 
Very great has also been the progress of the 
juvenile societies, the members of which bind them- 
selves to protect birds from persecution, to feed 
them during hard frosts in winter, and to refrain 
