V. 



IN THE CAT-BIRD'S NOOK. 



In a secluded nook in a certain park many- 

 hours of last summer were passed in the ab- 

 sorbing study of the manners of the cat-bird. 



So well hidden was that delightful spot, so 

 narrow and rough the gate, and so attractive 

 the shaded walk leading away from it, that it 

 might have remained a secret to this day, un- 

 known save to the birds and the squirrels ; but 

 a friendly cat-bird in a moment of confidence 

 led me behind the veil of thick shrubs which 

 screened it from intrusive visitors. I marked 

 well the entrance, and day after da}^ returned, 

 at all hours, to study his ways in his chosen 

 home. Each day's knowledge increased my re- 

 spect and liking, no less than my surprise and 

 indignation at the prejudice against him. 



The morning our acquaintance began I had 

 been ^vatching his movements as he 'flitted 

 about, now running mndly across the walk, as 

 though a legion of enemies were after him, now 



