40 BIRDS THROUGH AN OPERA-GLASS. 
be driven from that a moment later. At length 
forbearance ceased to be a virtue, and the temper 
of the apathetic bee was aroused. A fierce battle 
ensued. They pursued one another around and 
around that flower bed, over and under and 
through the flowers, sometimes the birds and then 
the bees having the vantage. Their rage knew no 
bounds, and they fought till sheer exhaustion com- 
pelled them to desist. Every flower was torn to 
shreds, not a whole blossom remaining.” 
The nest of the humming-bird is as delicate as 
the little creature itself. It is built in the form 
of a small cup, saddled upon a horizontal limb, 
and covered on the outside with lichens which 
make it look like a knob on the branch. The 
child who discovers a humming-bird’s nest is cred- 
ited with sharp eyes. 
oa 
MEADOW-LARK. 
To many, the meadow-lark is only a voice, but 
if you follow the rule laid down at the beginning 
of your work, and are determined to see as well 
as hear, you will have little trouble in finding the 
owner of the plaintive call that rises so mysteri- 
ously out of the grass. 
Focus your glass on the meadow, and listen 
carefully for the direction of the sound. As the 
