Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 May 1907 — Sparrows Take Cold Plunge. [ARTICLE]

Sparrows Take Cold Plunge.

There are various opinions as to whether cold bathing is harmful or beneficial, but among the sparrows that are so numerous in the parks there seems to be no doubt that the cold plunge Is exhilarating and delightful, says the New York Herald, Iu Bryant Park the other morning, when the temperature yvas almost at zero, a crowd of men around the drinking fountain near the -Lid street side looked at several sparrows bathing in the Icy water and chirping with glee as they hopped In and out. The fountain was covered with ice and in the basin there was just enough clear water left for the birds to bathe in. They hopped iu without the slightest show of trepidation, submerged themselves for a minute or so and hopped out again, ruffling their feathers and chirping iu unison. If it Is true that in watching the habits of animals and birds we’learn how nature directs us iu methods to insure good health then surely this example of the little sparrows bathing in the icy fountain seems to argue iu favor of cold water for buthing purposes. But, of course, those of us who are so sensitive to cold and so accustomed to overheated apartments are not likely to enjoy the cold tub as did those sparrows. For years they have livtyl In our rugged climate, surviving blizzards and zero weather and even thriving in it. Consequently we are not protected by the hardiness which these little birds pomes*. But as an object lesson this sight iu Bryant Park was very interesting, indicating that nature has taught these birds by instiuet that cold bathing is best for them.