How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and other

The work presents a whimsical exploration of the natural world, focusing on the humorous and often absurd distinctions between birds and flowers. Through a series of clever verses, it highlights common misconceptions and the challenges of identifying various species. The author employs playful language and puns to illustrate the confusion that arises from similar names and appearances, such as the Crocus and the Crow, or the Parrot and the Carrot. Each stanza introduces a new pair of entities, often contrasting their characteristics or behaviors to emphasize their differences. The text is rich with wordplay, inviting readers to engage with the material in a lighthearted manner. The author critiques the superficial understanding of nature, suggesting that many people fail to appreciate the nuances that distinguish one species from another. The work also references notable figures in natural history, such as Darwin and Audubon, while poking fun at the errors made by those who study nature without a deeper understanding. The playful tone encourages readers to think critically about their perceptions of the natural world, blending humor with education. Overall, the piece serves as both a satire of naturalist literature and a celebration of the diversity found in nature, urging readers to look beyond surface similarities and appreciate the unique qualities of each species. The concluding lines suggest a transition from the author's completed work to the reader's ongoing journey of discovery in the natural world.

By Robert Williams Wood · First published 1936 · Genre: Humor, Poetry, Nature Writing · 51 chapters

Contents

• Intro‑Duc‑Tion
• Burr; Bird
• The Crow; the Crocus
• The Clover; the Plover
• The Ole Gander; the Oleander
• The Hen; the Lichen
• The Pelican; the Panicle
• The Pea; the Pewee
• The Parrot; the Carrot
• The Rue; the Rooster
• The Hawk; the Hollyhock
• The Pecan; the Toucan
• The Cat‑Bird; the Cat‑Nip
• The Quail; the Kale
• The Auk; the Orchid
• The Cow Bird; the Cowslip
• The Butter‑Ball; the Butter‑Cup
• The Roc; the Shamrock
• A Sparrer; Asparagus
• The Blue Mountain Lory; the Blue Morning Glory
• The Tern; the Turnip
• The Larks; the Larkspur
• Cross Bill; Sweet William
• The Ibis; the 'Ibiscus
• The Pipe; the Snipe
• The Jay; the Bay
• The Gent‑Ians; the Lady‑Bird
• Puffin; Nuffin
• The Bee; the Beet; the Beetle
• The Bunny; the Tunny
• The Puss; the Octo‑Pus
• The Eel; the Eelephant
• The Ant; the Pheas‑Ant
• The Hare; the Harrier
• The Pen‑Guin; the Sword‑Fish
• The Gnu; the Newt
• The Ray; the Raven
• The Ape; the Grape
• The Doe; the Dodo
• The Pipe‑Fish; the Sea‑Gar
• The Elk; the Whelk
• The P‑Cock; the Q‑Cumber
• The Sloe; the Sloth
• The Cow; the Cowry
• The Antelope; the Cantelope
• The Pansy; the Chim‑Pansy
• Naught; Nautilus
• The Coot; the Bandicoot
• The Pitcher Plant; the Fly‑Catcher
• The Yellow‑Hammer; the Saw‑Fish
• Author's Add‑End‑'Em

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