The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-08-11
001 chic [L6G{@rpapY W@p0d]o

and even to be happy with human beings
under most favora BILE circumstances. But
a, bird that has once tested the sweets Of
liberty--unlesS some accident has MAIN
ed him and made him grateful for human
aid-can never know anything but heart
ache in captivity
"Chupes began his career in human So
ciety as a 'downy. yellow beaked mite
of helpless baby robin, increased steadi-
ly in strength and size as the weeks
passed, became full-fedged but was still
helpless dependent, taking his food
from the hand, and not learning to feed
himself till many weeks had elapsed.
The degree Of affection and intelligence
developed by the little wait and display
ed under the most diverse conditions al
most surpasses belief, were it not told
with so much circumstantiality and evil
dent candor. Chupes was practically
given his full liberty, being restrained
only for his own safety, mainly from cats,
dogs and other natural enemies. He was
taken to the fields and woods. and even
on long journeys by train, to Canada and
other localities remote from his New
Jersey home, as the family took it's sum
in practical freedom with members of his
own kind, and with birds of other species
and with outdoor surroundings in general,
but never showed the slightest disposition
to evade the unnatural conditions atten-
dant on captivity. His affection for his
benefactress was unlimited. and his
greatest grief was an occasional brief
separation from her Immediate presence.
After time, a companion for Chupes
was sought, and obtained in the person
atty of Miss Jenny, a captive, full
grown, sickly, and bedraggled female
robin, rescued from neglect in a baker
shop. After a time the two birds became
very fond of each other; Jenny survived
Chupes by a few weeks, and died APP
parently from grief. The account of the
almost daily life of these two birds for
a period of five years forms rare chap
ter in the study of bird psychology, and
is a distinct contribution to this phase of
science. The two birds were as different
in temperament and personality as two
human beings could possibly be; both
were playful, intelligent, and inqusitive
in high degree, affectionate toward each
other, and capable of intense affection
for their mistress; in many ways their
attributes were surprisingly human Not
only is all this pleasingly and inteli-
gently told by Mrs Bignell, but there are
woven in with the many episodes of
the fields and woods relating to wild birds
and animals, from toads to rabbits, hawks
and cats, all in way connected with the
history of her pets but in themselves of
interest. So simple and skillful is the
narrative throughout that there are no
dull pauSes The book is dedicated TO
the Audubon Societies, in recognition of
their work for Bird protection, and the
spirit Of it is eminently in harmony with
the dedication. 1t is pervaded with
wholesome, nationally philanthropic spirit,
and we hope it will be widely read
A WOMAN ALONE by Mrs. w. K Cliff
ford. Price so cents. Publishers: d.
Appleton g. Co., New York
This is <asily the best novel yet writ
ten by Mrs. Clifford and is interesting from
start to finish.