syllables of which the Bittern's music is composed. The discussion
began by our hearing a single far-away note, repeated at the proper
intervals, at a time when we could not well follow it up. Later' inves-
tigation, to our no small surprise, compelled us to settle down upon
the conclusion that the first note was the one last to be lost as we
traveled away from the bird. We were surprised, I say, for the
second note is the one which bears, or seems to bear, the accent.
Plum-pi(d-ir n, the creature appears to say, with an emphasis fairly to
be called violent upon the middle note. ^^"hy, then, should not
the middle note be heard farthest ? What is emphasis, anyhow,
if not, as the dictionary says, a "special force of voice. " Could there
be something peculiar, we asked ourselves, in the quality of the first
syllable, which made it carry beyond the others ? We discussed the
matter eagerly, trudging to and fro to make certain of the fact itself,
and agreed, if I remember rightly, upon a plausible explanation. As
I review the case, however, I am so much in doubt as to the correct-
ness of our theory that it seems quite as well not to state it, but to
leave the question to any Bird-Lore reader who may some day have
nothing better to do than to investigate it for himself.
For Teachers and Students
Hints to Young Bird Students
IT has always been our experience that 3'oung bird students who have just crossed the threshold of ornithology are glad to turn for a word of advice and assistance to their old^r brethren, who have already made some progress in the science ; and it has always been a pleasure for us to give such aid. In view of these facts, we take this opportunity of offering a few words of counsel for the benefit of those who are beginning the study of birds. Doubtless every beginner looks upon the formation of a collection as necessarily the first step on the ornithological ladder; and probably a collection of eggs is preferred to a collection of birds, because the specimens can be prepared much more readily.
- From a leaflet prepared under the initiative of Mr. Witnier Stone, Conservator Ornithological
Section, Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia. These "hints" are addressed to students who desire to become scientific ornithologists and to whom specimens are a necessity. They show, however, how few specimens are required, and how much more there is to learn from living birds than fiom dead ones.
