60 INSESSORES. 
small tree ; it is composed externally of grass, moss, 
and leaves; internally of fibrous roots, and is warmly 
lined with feathers. The eggs are mostly four in 
number, of a dull ashy hue, spotted and streaked tow- 
ard the great end with brown. 
Among the many charms which attend upon the 
opening of Spring, and by their sweetness and beauty 
do much to render its advent a joyous and lovely sea- 
son, one of the most pleasing is the song of the birds. 
How gentle and soothing are their tones, as, with the 
highest glee, they warble out their inspired music! 
How peaceful are the thoughts that occupy the mind 
that has been abstracted from itself, by the distant 
voice of some modest little bird! We can hardly 
place too high an estimate upon the kindly influences 
which they exert upon us. Listen to the persuasive 
tones of the Red-eyed Vireo, — soft and sweet, and 
full of eloquence, bidding us cast aside our griefs, 
and be as happy as he. And the Warbling Vireo— 
light-hearted little fellow, he too tells us that the 
skies are bright and the sun is ever shining, notwith- 
standing clouds may obstruct them from our view; 
and though the day be dark, he sings on, still look- 
ing for a bright to-morrow. 
These two charming little songsters belong to a 
group formerly placed with the Fly-catchers and 
Tyrants, on account of their possessing some of the 
habits of those birds; but a slight comparison will 
at once show the difference. The true Tyrants are 
of a stout, heavy build, particularly about the head 
and shoulders, while the Vireos are light and deli- 
