100 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 



being lined with fine grasses and a few hairs. Further, he says, 

 "it is not pensile but built on a branch." Its style of architecture 

 varies no doubt with the latitude. Of the many nests which 

 have been examined, including many in the writer's collection, all 

 with but one or two exceptions were of a decidedly pensile char- 

 acter; uniform in texture, and suspended from slender branchlets 

 after the fashion of Icterus Baltimore, Dandin. The exceptional 

 cases were placed between the forked branches of trees. These 

 nests, with two exceptions, have been found upon apple and 

 pear trees, in close proximity to the residence of man ; the ex- 

 ceptions were noticed on the confines of forests, at considerable 

 distances therefrom. There is no doubt that in earlier times this 

 oriole was as timid and suspicious of man as many other species 

 that might be cited ; and that as time advanced it gradually lost 

 all fear. Familiarit}^ with man, the result no doubt of many 

 years' experience, has taught it to regard him in the light of a 

 friend. In the fact that the nest of this species is occasionally 

 found on the borders of immense thickets, we have a clue to its 

 past history. In the writer's opinion, reserve, timidit}', and dis- 

 trust were then the leading elements of its character, while famili- 

 arity, a certain degree of boldness and confidence are traits which 

 now stand prominently forth. 



A typical nest of the species measures 2^ inches in diameter 

 and 4^ inches in depth. It is pouch-shaped, and attached to the 

 slender twigs of an apple or pear tree in such a manner as to be 

 swayed to and fi*o by the gentlest breeze. It is built of the soft 

 and flexible leaves of a species of Poa, neatly and compactl3'' 

 woven togetlier, and lined on the inner side with much narrower 

 leaves of a closel}^ allied species. The site selected is usually one 

 where the small spurs of the pear and apple, prineipall}" the former, 

 with their crowns of leaves can meet over the nest and form a roof 

 to protect the female and young from inclement weather. 



During the breeding season its chief food is beetles, flies, lepi- 

 doptera, earthworms, and various larvae. The seeds of grasses 

 are occasional!}'' relished. It is highly insectivorous in its nature. 

 I am not able to say whether it has a fondness for fruits and 

 berries, but am inclined to the belief that it will not refuse a juicy 

 berry if thrown within its way; but that it will not put itself to 

 any inconvenience to obtain the same I am well aware. 



In the duties of incubation the male takes no direct part. I 



