230 



THE BLUEBIRD. 



Mr. Smithkons finds that more than half of the boxes are occupied each season; 

 and he counts the birds of inestimable advantage in helping to save the grapes 

 and apples from the ravages of worms. In two instances Robins accepted the 

 partial shelter afforded by the boxes and nested in the crotch of the tree imme- 

 diately under the Bluebirds. 



The eggs, from four to six in number, are a uniform pale blue, with a 



surface somewhat 

 polished. Owing to 

 the delicacy of the 

 pigment, cabinet 

 specimens fade read- 

 ily. Pure white sets 

 are on record, and 

 faded blues are not 

 unusual. Two or 

 three broods are 

 raised in a season. 



Doubtless Blue- 

 bird's song owes 

 si imewhat of the 

 high estimation in 

 which it is held to 

 the fact that it 

 sounds forth at a 

 time when there are 

 few rivals, and the 

 aspect of nature con- 

 trasts s o m e w h a t 

 sternly with its good 

 cheer. Be that as it 

 may, his soulful 

 warbling notes will 

 always be regarded 

 as something half 

 sacred by those who 

 understand. Cheery- 

 cheery - cheery, 

 dearie, are the notes 

 of the flight-call. 



Taken near North Amherst. 



ONE OF MR. SMITHKO.VS BLUF.I 



