128 " UPON THE TREE-TOP,'* 



crows to the end of his days. But, alas, he had 

 miscalculated his strength, and before reaching* 

 his goal he came fluttering to the ground. The 

 parents were at hand, but instantly became si- 

 lent, apparently not knowing how to help him, 

 for this was a serious calamity. It was in an 

 open lane that he had come down, and at any 

 moment a passing boy or dog might discover 

 him ; so, although I should have liked to see if 

 they could do anything for him, I did not dare 

 risk it. I hurried down, and found him run- 

 ning about in the hot grass, wild-eyed and 

 panting, but silent. The moment I came near 

 both parents found their voices and began 

 scolding ; but after a good look at him I drew 

 down a low branch, and put him upon it, when 

 the orioles became quiet, and I left them. He 

 was yellowish-drab on the breast and ash-col- 

 ored on the wings, with distinct oriole mark- 

 ings, short wings, and no tail ; smaller in pro- 

 portion to the parents than a young robin, I 

 think. 



Quiet descended once more upon the " cradle 

 in the tree-top," though I saw, to my surprise, 

 that it still was not empty ; four birds of that 

 size I should think enough, and more than 

 enough, to fill it. The father assumed the care 

 of the two just out, and the mother alone re- 

 mained about the home. The next day passed 



