AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY 



93 



tail spread and ruff raised, apparently looking to see if he was observed. 

 No one was looking, he concluded, and so he stood erect and preened him- 

 self. Then the woods resounded with his drumming. He seemed to pro- 

 duce the sound by striking his wings against the side of his body. This, he 

 did very slowly at first, then, after a short pause, he gradually increased 

 the the speed until the sound died in a continuous whirr. 



Ten consecutive times I saw this partridge drum, and every time he went 

 through the same preliminary movements. 



After watching for a time, I made my presence known, by going nearer, 

 only to see him hop from his stump and disappear in a great flurry. About 

 fifteen minutes later, as I stood on the edge of the woods, some distance from 

 this spot, I heard the sound of his drumming, which seemed to come from a 

 long distance. 



All summer, I thought of this persistent fellow, drumming on his stump 

 to call a mate. Always there came the wish that the ruthless hunter would 

 spare his life, and that he might secure a loving mate. 



Elsie Space Jackson. 





address all communications to 

 Meg Merrythought 

 156 Waterville St., Waterbury, Ct. 



My Dear Young Folks: — 



Just now there is a great stir in Bird Circles, has it reached your town? 

 Many of the birds are donning fresh coats of brighter colors than those 

 which they have worn during the winter months : each feather is combed and 

 preened and oiled. The members of the May-day Choral Society are mak- 



