190 Sketches of Some Common Birds. 



others wandering in the same neighborhood, even as the 

 voice is a clue to the identity of a human being. 1 be- 

 came acquainted with the notes of an eloquent male Balti- 

 more oriole which tenanted a certain neighborhood one 

 spring. I heard him first as I awoke one rainy morning 

 about sunrise, when he was loudly expressing his enjoy- 

 ment in the rain so badly needed. To my drowsy ears 

 he clearly articulated the four syllables, " O sweet, sweet 

 rain," repeating the notes as he traveled leisurely along 

 the row of maples in front of the house, probably seeking 

 a breakfast and singing as he worked, the usual practice 

 of the oriole. Soon his growing satisfaction must needs 

 express Itself in six syllables, and now to me he sang, <'0 

 sweet, O sweet, sweet rain," always employing well-meas- 

 ured iambic feet in his poetic effusions, though sometimes 

 he uttered but one note, a clear, flute-like call. So he 

 sang morning after morning through the season, and 

 though others sang in the neighborhood at different times, 

 there was an individuality in his notes by which I imme- 

 diately Identified him. In the evenings, soon after sunset, 

 he would travel along the row of trees uttering a harsh 

 cackle, probably the galbuline language he used when he 

 wished to discuss private affairs with his spouse. Or could 

 it be the curtain lecture of the dame to her high-spirited 

 lord ? This cackling sort of call or note is familiar to all 

 who have been interested in thevocalism of this attractive 

 friend of the highway and dooryard, and is heard in the 

 evening during the nesting time. It is especially notice- 

 able when the young birds are taking their first lessons in 

 flying and in the ways and means of obtaining a success- 

 ful living. 



EOSE-BKEASTED GKOSBEAK. 



Among the woodland birds which have gradually 

 adapted themselves to urban life, and are now regular 

 residents of the highways and garden trees, as well as of 

 the maples and elms skirting water-courses, the rose- 

 breasted grosbeak is especially worthy the Iriendship of 

 all classes. This noble and interesting songster, though 

 quite common in the larger shade trees along our streets 



