THE ORIOLE. 



IT is in May when woodlands are green with swell- 

 ing buds and spreading leaves, and fragrant with 

 the sweet wild flowers, that the brilliant Oriole appears 



among us. 



Very early one morning I heard his clear whistle 

 and hastened to And him. He looked down upon me 

 rather inquiringly, as if he wanted to say, " What do 

 you think of me ? " and my heart answered, " I think 

 you are beautiful ! " 



He was alone for a few days, busy as a bird could 

 be, trying to select a house lot. He flew from tree to 

 tree, in orchard, garden, and yard. A tall, stately elm 

 seems to please him best, and when the shy little lady 

 he is to make his wife is coaxed to the tallest branch, 

 she demurs, as she knows the peril of building there, 

 and with a decision he does not quite relish she tells 

 him a lower branch would suit her better. 



She begins very soon to collect materials for build- 

 ing, singing as she works, making long journeys for 

 the hair and twine necessary for her home. After 

 nest come eggs, and after eggs baby birds. The 

 proud and happy father shows his love as well by the 

 care he takes, and the w^atchfulness, as by the songs 



