Page:Drawing for Beginners.djvu/122

 pethood) is a distant relative of Mufti's,and for all I know to the contrary may be as familiar to you as Mufti.

Make a few comparisons between the household pet and the 'American lion.' Robin is of course many sizes larger, and of a stronger and more powerful breed. His limbs are thick, long, and sinewy, his head small compared with the muscular neck, his ears rounded. Note the great paws and note also the larger extension of jaw when Robin is yawning.

It is curious to reflect that for one study of a bird we shall see fifty of a cat, and more curious when we consider that with birds we have usually a fairly close association. It is true that birds are difficult studies. they are the most elusive models, and it is impossible to glean more than quick, snap-shot impressions and rough notes, and in that we probably find the real reason for neglect. Birds are not easy, but they are intensely interesting. With all their wealth of beauty in form and colour, they are a rich harvest for the pencil and the brush.

Who, for instance, could be more attractive than the perky little robin with his brown coat and scarlet waistcoat, his sleek, neat plumage, the cock of his bright eye, and the flick of his pointed tail? A most characteristic little gentleman! Search your memory, and try to sketch him out of your head, and preferably with your brush.

Make a bold dash at catching his likeness. Mark the long slope of his back, the clean, sharp swelling curve from the bill downward, the interesting lines of the tail and wing, the short bill curved above, flattened beneath, the eye close to the bill, the slender strength of the tiny legs, the perfect balance on the long talons.

By contrast, too, we learn much, and drive observation deeper.

Compare the singing canary, his slim golden body and dainty limbs, with the raucous-tongued parrot, his powerful beak, thick talons, and muscular thighs. Contrast the sky-lark, the exquisite lightness and buoyancy of his movement.