ffl:j)e ^avtinatv of Sptritifl 43 



hovering about his modest little mate 

 that the cause of his rhapsody is apparent. 



The male bluebird usually precedes the 

 female by a week or two, and her final 

 advent is the occasion of renewed court- 

 ship, and a deal of attention on his part, 

 which she receives as a matter of course, 

 and no more than her just due. 



Her garments are not as gay as her 

 mate's, and she has no song, but she is con- 

 tent to shine with borrowed lustre, and 

 informs you with a queer little nod *'that 

 it is all in the family,'' so why does it 

 matter ? 



House-hunting is the next event in the 

 lives of these spring heralds, and as Mro 

 Bluebird is particular about his abode and 

 Mrs. Bluebird is even fussy, it is a long 

 and arduous task, and often consumes 

 days, or even a week or two ? 



All sorts of holes, both natural and 



