THE BOBOLINK. 289 



are partially extended; and as he pours forth his marvelous 

 song, he waltzes gracefully to his own music, turning slowly 

 around, so that the beholder may have a fair view of all 

 sides. Now he launches into the air, and — half hovering — 

 half flying — his song becomes even more resonant and pene- 

 trating; the loud, rich, liquid notes of his prolonged and 

 varied warble causing the air to vibrate over many acres of 

 the open field. The first tinkling tones are like those of a 

 fine musical box rapidly struck, then come the longer drawn 

 notes as of a rich viol or violin, and finally the sweet liquid, 

 limpid, gurgling sounds as of an exquisite bell-toned piano 

 lightly and skillfully touched. These several different 

 strains, variously modulated, are uttered with a rapid, gush- 

 ing volubility, which to an untrained ear might sound like 

 the performance of a whole chorus of songsters. As the 

 strain ceases, he drops down most gracefully with elevated 

 wings into the clover, or, grasping the elastic culms of the 

 taller grasses, swings proudly on his tiny perch. Each in- 

 dividual adopts his own territory and adheres to it, compell- 

 ing his intruding neighbor to retire to his own side of the 

 road or fence, and then returning to his own domain with 

 the air of independence and authority. Here he keeps up 

 his proud antics and charming melody some week or ten 

 days before the female arrives. Only 7.50 long, and very 

 nearly the colors and marking of a Sparrow — the lighter 

 parts being simply a little more yellowish — you would 

 never suspect her relation to such a gay consort. He recog- 

 nizes her at once, however, and begins his ardent demon- 

 strations. He sings and waltzes to her, hovers in front of 

 her, fairly rending his throat in the ardor of his musical per- 

 formance; and when she in her coyness, real or feigned, flees 

 from him, he pursues her closely, and they dash in and out 

 of bushes, trees, and fences with the most perilous speed. 

 19 



