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 i 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- 
