July 



phrases which make them very pleasing, if not 

 notable, songsters, and perched on some bush 

 or the lower branch of a tree, concealed from 

 view, their modest private rehearsals are well 

 worth listening to. An unpretentious air per- 

 vades the entire conduct of this bird. Seeming 

 to know that it does not occupy a large place in 

 the world, it makes itself attractive by content- 

 edly filling a small one. 



A family that is very patience-trying to the 

 beginner is that of the vireos, on account of the 

 great resemblance of all the species. In song 

 and nidification they are quite distinct, but they 

 are not singing when they arrive in spring, and 

 with no conspicuous markings it is almost im- 

 possible to identify them at a distance. Of the 

 four vireos I found in the Ramble, two were 

 migrant — the ''solitary," which was perfectly 

 silent during its short stay, and the " yellow- 

 throated " (which, if not migrant, at least dis- 

 appeared soon after its arrival). This latter is 

 the handsomest of the family, with bright yel- 

 low throat and breast passing abruptly into 

 white beneath. Although not in song, it ut- 

 tered a very characteristic note, and quite aggra- 

 vated the observer by chiefly frequenting the 

 higher branches. It is said to be a pleasing 



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