190 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [13:5— May, 1917 



at once and constructed a nest, well up in the young tree, that 

 looked very comfortable. If these birds had invited me to selecc 

 the site for their nest, I could not have placed it to better advan- 

 tage for observation of all the little family "spats" and "making- 

 up" peculiar to the little "hair birds." "Chip" was frequently 

 met about the rosebushes, where he paid rent by eating aphides, 

 while " Chippy" incubated the eggs. 



From dawn till noon sweet bird music filled the air. Oppor- 

 timities to study bird characteristics were more abundant than 

 time in which to do the studying. All of the birds perched on 

 telephone wires, but each species had its own precinct. Wires are a 

 valuable asset in bird attraction. 



Time, thought and eternal vigilance for more than three months, 

 resulted in constant enjoym.ent of an intimate acquaintance with 

 my bird guests and a happy memory that will not fade. 



The Nature Lover 



George B. Staff 



He leaves the city scenes behind, 

 Forsakes the binding office walls, 



And goes where Mother Nature kind 

 Is waiting, where the low wind calls 



Through leafy branches, cool and dim, 

 That spread a welcome shade for him. 



And as with seeing eyes he wends 

 His way through forest solitude, 



There comes a knowledge that transcends 

 All creeds and science, where his mood 



Is one with Nature, and the Power 



That grants the peaceful twilight hour ! 



House Wren 



With head up and tail up, 

 The wren begins to sing. 



He fills the air with melody, 

 And makes the welkin ring. 



