OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 49 



seeing a pair of the Great-crested Flycatchers 

 occupy it. A nest was soon constructed of leaves, 

 feathers, and human hair, and the ordinary com- 

 plement of eggs deposited. 



At this crisis, a pair of Blue Birds came upon 

 the scene, and sought to expel the rightful 

 occupants. The Flycatchers made a determined 

 resistance. The property-owner wishing to pre- 

 serve the latter, shot the female Blue Bird, think- 

 ing to put an end to the disturbance. The 

 male instantlv abandoned the contest and flew 



4 



away. In less than a half-hour he returned 

 with two females and renew r ed the contest. 

 Victory was soon decided in favor of the Blue 

 Birds. The Flycatchers, however, did not retire 

 until they had thrown out the nesting-materials, a 

 portion of which they afterwards carried away to 

 use elsewhere. 



After the defeat of the Flycatchers, the male 

 Blue Bird instantly selected a partner from his 

 aids; the unfortunate female retiring into the 

 obscurity whence she came. This fact shows that 

 there are females which necessity compels to lead 

 lives of solitude, and which only enter into matri- 

 monial relationship on the creation of vacancies. 

 The same may be, doubtless, said of the males. 

 Or there may be males and females which prefer 

 a life of celibacy. 



The proprietor of the premises, perceiving a 

 strong predilection upon the part of the ^Blue 

 Birds for the can, determined to annoy them awhile, 

 3 D 



