May 



one authority states it, '* to receive those birds 

 which do not belong elsewhere " (!). This is 

 certainly a masterly device for the perplexed 

 scientist, but rather severe on the birds that 

 must be thus huddled together in enforced 

 relationship, as a penalty for the shortcomings 

 of ''science falsely so called." And as for 

 ourselves, inasmuch as we enjoy an individual 

 just as well for not knowing his relatives (and 

 sometimes a good deal better) we will try to 

 forget that the humming-bird is cousin-in-law 

 to the night hawk and the woodpecker, and 

 admire the exquisite form, motion, and color- 

 ing of the tiny creature unprejudiced by its 

 scientific affinities. 



Nature is uniformly dignified in her works 

 and ways, and yet she leaves a trace here and 

 there of a humorous mood not incompatible 

 with her repute. There is a sly touch of droll- 

 ery in the appearance of the golden-crowned 

 warbler or oven-bird, which must always elicit 

 an amused smile from anyone who watches its 

 movements, — an interesting specimen from any 

 point of view. Almost invariably it is to be 

 found on the ground, dodging out of sight as 

 you approach it, its somewhat erect tail giving 

 it a jaunty air, while with a mincing dignity 



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