214 THE SOLITAIRE. 



that in freedom lie would choose a life so se- 

 cluded as to merit the popular name, " the in- 

 visible bird," inhabiting the wildest and most 

 inaccessible spots on the rough mountain-side, 

 as Mr. Frederic A. Ober found some of his 

 near relations in the West Indies. If, in spite 

 of his reserved manners, any bird was imperti- 

 nent enough to chase or annoy him, he acted as 

 if his feelings were hurt, went to his cage, and 

 refused to leave it for some time. Yet it was 

 not cowardice, for he could and did defend his 

 cage against intruders, flying at them with cries 

 of rage. Also, if his wishes chanced to interfere 

 with the notions of another bird, — as they did 

 on one or two occasions that I noticed, — he 

 showed no lack of spirit in carrying them out. 

 Once that I remember, he chose to perch on the 

 top of a certain cage next a window, where he 

 had not before cared to go. The particular 

 spot that he occupied was the regular stand of 

 another bird, one also accustomed to having his 

 own way, and quite willing to fight for it, — a 

 Brazilian cardinal. The cardinal, of course, 

 disputed the point with the clarin, but the latter 

 retained his position as long as he desired, run- 

 ning at the enemy with a cry if he ventured to 

 alight near. In general, his tastes were so dif- 

 ferent from others that he seldom came into 

 collision with them. 



