June 



in a tree, and more brightly colored than his 

 fellows with a sulphurous-yellow breast, and 

 tail-feathers largely chestnut. It is so shy that 

 it commonly makes off the instant one ap- 

 proaches it, and, although apparently sluggish 

 as seen in repose, it is extremely quick and 

 dexterous as it darts forth to secure the help- 

 less insect that falls in its way. An unex- 

 plained and not very winsome peculiarity of 

 this bird is, that almost invariably its nest is, 

 in part, composed of cast-off snake skins; 

 doubtless for a good reason. Science would 

 hardly be worth the study if it were a mere 

 collection of irrational, capricious facts. But 

 whatever path one may follow in nature, he is 

 sure to start up inquiries so much faster than he 

 solves them that, after all, the wisest scientist 

 is he whose head is the most filled with un- 

 answered questions. 



Another inquiry suggested by the flycatchers 

 is, the purpose served by that peculiarity com- 

 mon to all of this family, and quite rare in all 

 the others — the more or less erectile crown- 

 feathers, and whether there is any relation 

 between this singularity and their distinctive 

 habits. Unless we regard many of such pecul- 

 iar details as arbitrary and hap-hazard, which 



i8i 



