AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY 



ESTHER'S SECRET. 

 By Isaac E. Hess. 



O ! I've found the cutest secret 

 Where our catbird loves to sit; 



No. one knows 'bout it but me yet 

 'Cause I just now 'scovered it. 



Our two catbirds came here one day — 

 O, my ! how I wished they'd stay ; 



'En they did — until last Sunday, 

 'Member then, one went away. 



Hav'nt seen her since 'till just now, 

 And I must'nt make her stir. 



Was afraid old Tabby somehow 

 Knew what had become of her. 



Can you guess what she's been hiding, 



O, so cute with not a sign, 

 All this long time she's been biding 



In our honey-suckle vine? 



Philo, Illinois. 



