15 MAY 1915, Page 16

BIRDS IN THE BATTLE AREA.

[TO THR EDITOR OP TIER "SPECTATOR."]

SIR,—A few days ago I noticed a letter in the Spectator written by some one who was concerned as to the welfare of the birds in the battle area in Belgium, and especially for the nightingales. We have had the most terrible battle here, the noise having been practically continuous all the time for twelve days. I have seen and heard large numbers (eight in one old garden) of nightingales living and singing where our guns are in position. As I write I can hear the blackbirds and thrushes singing, and the sparrows are carrying large pieces of straw about as though nothing were happening— and yet at the centre one of the heaviest cannonades I have

ever heard is in progress not three miles away, and the guns are firing on both sides and behind this .old chfltean where I