212 Sketches of Some Common Birds. 



young from threatened harm, and marauders are pretty- 

 certain to meet with a warm reception from the diminu- 

 tive but valiant owners of the premises. Indeed, the best 

 opportunity of the observer to learn something of their 

 appearance is when they lose all thought of self in the 

 defense of their eggs and family. 



The utility of the warbling vireo has never been ques- 

 tioned, since its industrious care of the branches and foli- 

 age in its resorts is so manifest that we can only admire 

 the little gleaner so patiently and ^persistently seeking out 

 the hidden foes of the vegetation. It begins its praise- 

 worthy work about the time of the unfolding of the elm 

 buds and the blossoms of the orchard trees, and thence- 

 forth continues its beneficial services until the changing 

 colors of the foliage suggest that its summer's occupation 

 is over. Its chief duty is to rid the tender buds and the 

 bark of the branches of destructive larvae, leaving the ene- 

 mies of the surface of the leaves to the care of the war- 

 blers and flycatchers. Quietly and unostentatiously it goes 

 about its self-appointed task, humming its varied melodies 

 as it composedly hops here and there, wisely examining 

 the spots most likely to contain the lurking insects and 

 noxious larvae, or the concealed eggs destined to develop 

 into dangerous and voracious enemies of the health and 

 life of the trees. Its life of continuously mingled labor 

 and earnest song should appeal to every lover of the birds 

 as one of practical duty and beauty, marred by no unwor- 

 thy action. 



