128 



BIRDS, BEASTS, AND FISHES 



relatives. All day long through the sultry summer from day- 

 break (for they are the earliest birds to awake in summer), 

 their simple, plaintive song may be heard — even through the 

 hottest noontide. 



They are simple-minded, monotonous little citizens, rather 

 commonplace in appearance and character, but unassuming 

 and harmless ; and there are many birds we could afford to 

 part with more readily. 



reed-bunting's nest and eggs (taken i?? situ). 



