RATIONALIZE THE SONG-BIRDS.
" The Nightingale," wrote Izaak Walton, " breathes such sweet lowd musick out of her little instrumentall throat, that it might make mankind to think Miracles are not ceased." That sort of thing was all very well once ; but the attitude of the animal world towards the Wonders of Science (which has always left something to be desired) has seldom been more de- plorably exemplified than in the relations between the nightin- gale and the B.B.C., who are trying to broadcast its song. The most capricious of prima-donnas would not treat her impresario with so little consideration. Night after night devoted technicians, armed with no fewer than seven microphones, have prowled fruitlessly to and fro in the Berkshire undergrowth, getting their feet wet and impairing their efficiency. Must the British public be kept waiting while its servants dance attendance on a small brown bird of reactionary tendencies ? The nightingale must conform to a time-table ; Philomel must punch the clock. We look forward to a day when its haunts will be plastered with such notices as : " Do It Now," and, " This is 1931. Think Big."
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