Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1894 — Do Birds Talk? [ARTICLE]

Do Birds Talk?

One day recently an elderly lady of charitable disposition observed a blue jay sitting in the snow near her door. Being a lover of the feathered tribe, the kind-hearted lady proceeded to furnish some food for her new-found friend. Fastening an ear of corn to a stick, she went out quietly and placed the stick in the snow where the jay could easily see it Very soon after her return to the house the bird flew to the stick and began eating the corn. Presently another bird of the same kind flew to the stick, but was repeatedly driven away by bird No. 1, who seemed to claim possession by right of priority. ’ After eating his fill he flew to a small cedar swamp about forty rods distance, and in less than five minutes returned, followed by seven others. Upon arriving at the corn bird No. 2 was rudely driven away, when the family of eight eagerly devoured tfie corn, though not without something of contention. The birds were evidently very hungry, and have frequently been fed by the friendly hand, but how did the seven that bird No. 1 from the swamp' know there was food awaiting them?—Belfast (Me.) Republican Journal Quaint old customs still survive in many parts of England. In Ely place, Holborn, a wachman cries the hours nightly with the same formula in use for centuries past: “Past one o’clock, and a cold, wet morning.” In Dutch Guiana the women carry upon their persons all the, family savings in the shape of heavy bracelets, anklets, necklaces and even crowns of heavy gold and silver. »•.-< A chestnut tree said to be 2,000 years old still flourishes at the foot of Mount Etna. It is 213 feet in circumference. Gas-pipes of manilla paper coated with asphalt have been used successfully.