New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-25
Mourning department In connection.

tree-and the labor of building usually takes from
two to four days It is labor hard proportion
atey that OF stone masons and carpenters, but
instead the sound OF the hammer is the jubilant
song of the male. No one. not even the ruthless
boy, could destroy a birds nest who had ever
watched it's building and listened to the music OF
the workers.
After the eggs are laid and throughout the
period of broodng the male bird sings for hours
near the little mother, 1t were for her enter
tainnent. or because II is his nature 10 be joyous
When the young are Matched the heaviest, hardest
work begins. Tiny birds mouths must be fed II
the weather Is damp the work Of food hunting 10
not so hard but in dry season food Is scarce, ana
there is little time for singing it is work for both
birds from daybreak till dark. "As free as bird"
IS one OF the greatest faacies that was ever con-
tanned in a phrase. The range of a pair Of birds
during nesting season is limited; city block
would comprise its area, and the care and work 10
absolutely combining and endless.
There is no more perfect embodiment OF domestic
and parental faithfulness. no perfect ex-
ample of harmonious housekeeping and cheerful
labor In the world than may see about the
nest of a pair of thrushes. No one knows the
birds who does not love them. no one watches them
who could not write or talk for hours OF thst1
beautiful characteristics They are not only beau
tiful and musical but they are also useful. This
may appeal 10 some who would not be convinced
on the ground of sentiment. Birds protect the
crops by destroying insects The few cherries or
berries they take may we'll be spared, for without
the birds the worms and insects would not allow
cherries to ever reach maturity
What are we doing with this beautiful gift o.
wild birds We cultivate flowers because they are
lovely, but the birds. which not only lovely
in themselves but useful and interesting a.
well even teaching many lessons through the hi8h
instinct they possess those who Will learn-theso
we kill slaughter and sacrifice for mere decoration
which Is ninety-nne times out of a hundred, no
decoration at all. There is nothing beautiful or
artistic in a stuffed bird on a womans head and
feathers all angles are far oftener ugly, than
pretty. But when the plumes in hats look
well. who enjoy a fragment or beauty whlch
has cost the destruction of whole? This defeats
the very end Of itself which Is 10 conserve and
increase the beautiful
The story of the egret is common. II IS now
generally known that the egret, or snowy heron,
has been eyterminated IN Florida likely VIII De IN
hearing bird involves the destruction OF It's brood
What has happened this bird is likely to be the
of all our wild birds, unless, without furtner
delay. women come 20 themselves ana reallZe what
the fashion of feathers in hats Is doing.
In the name of beauty. IN the name or music. OF
agriculture and of human feeling do not let II be
I laid to the door of women that they who are sup
posed 10 be tender. have through thoughtlessness
, or ignorance consented to great cruelty. ana
sacrificed small and unworthy cause one OF
the most valuable gifts Of the Creator.
The literature this subject, both poetic ana
prdctica is rich because the great In letters have
been TO a marked extent Interested lovers OF birds.
The names of Emerson and Lowell and Thoreau
are closely associated with the birds whom they
knew well. and Of whom they wrote eXqulstely.
There are now group OF writer's who Will fasct'
nate all who open their pages 10 learn or BIRDS.
Among them are John Burroughs. c: c. Abbott,
Olive Thorn Miller. Bradford Torrey, Miss Merriam
and f. NJ Chapman All who will may learn bird