But even the mere shock caused by ,
the passage of a lightning stroke
through the air near it might be suffi
cient to kill a bird without any actual
electrical contact. How great such a
shock is, in many case*, every one
knows who can recall the crashing
sound of a near-by thunderbolt
Some observers assert that birds are
peculiarly sensitive to tho approach of j
a thunder-storm, and almost invariably
seek early shelter from it. as if fully
iware of the peril of remaining upon
the wing when there is lightning in the
air. But for this exhibition of caution
the number of birds killed by light
ning would probably be far greater
than It Is.
It would be Interesting to know
whether birds possess and instinctive
knowledge of the danger of perching
In tall, exposed trees In the open field
during a thunder-storm. A correspond
ent of the "Companion” La* the*impres
sion that they are Ixx the habit of congre
gating in the forest undergruwtn aud
In the shrubbery on such occasions.
This might be mainly due, however,
to a desire to find shelter from the rain.
—Youth’s Companion.
Identifylnsr Your Ow* Baby.
