July 



estimate. Perchance the ''Maryland yellow- 

 throat" would be the peer of any I have 

 named, if it were only at rare intervals we 

 could see it. In reality, each is bettered by the 

 others, enhanced by the diverse charms of all 

 the group, and certainly each is best enjoyed by 

 foregoing all critical thoughts of comparison. 



Each living creature carries its own atmos- 

 phere — the interwoven influence of all its traits 

 and aspects ; and much as we have descanted 

 upon the strong impression made by the rich 

 coloration of plumage, yet this is not commonly 

 the asi)ect of the creature that produces the 

 most lasting effect ; and thus, with all due ad- 

 miration for their fine and immaculate array, the 

 birds that one holds in the most affectionate re- 

 membrance are not the glittering ''warblers." 



An acquaintance to be commended to every 

 observer is a very common bird, somewhat 

 smaller than the robin, and with some resem- 

 blance in color, as a careless view of it might 

 suggest, known as the towhee bunting, or che- 

 wink, also not inaptly called swamp or ground 

 robin, from its habit of living in swampy 

 places, and being generally found on or near 



205 



