196 NATURE STUDY. 



" When the squash had lifted this amazing weight the 

 harness gave way under the great pressure, and it had to 

 be removed. The result, however, proved that what have 

 been regarded as fairy tales were actual facts ; that a grow- 

 ing plant can lift a tree, split asunder the solid granite and 

 move masses in a manner that prior to these experiments 

 may well have been deemed incredible." 



The Bluebird in Kentucky. 



BY STEPHEN D. PARRISH. 



" De bluebird's done come! I hearn em singin' in de 

 trees," exclaimed Aunt Dinah this morning as she came 

 to our residence to " git de white folks' brekfas." 



In Kentucky folklore the early arrival of the bluebird 

 {Sialia sialis) is a sure harbinger of approaching spring, 

 and its appearance is not only welcome to the negro but to 

 all — especially at the ending of a long, hard winter, as 

 this one has been. We put Aunt Dinah's emotions into 

 words thus : 



De snow-ice in de sunshine do glitter, 



And de biling spring-branch runs free, 

 While we lis'en to de Souh'-lan' song 

 Of de bluebird in de tree. 



Ovir souls am filled wid gladness, 



As de sines of spring-time we see's. 

 And singin'ly we niggies welcome 



De brave bluebirds in de trees. 



Tvhis bird does not now as formerly in Kentucky, at least 

 near the towns and villages, breed so profusely on account 

 of the persecutions of the English sparrow. 



One of the most serious charges that is brought against 

 the English sparrow is the forceful usurpation of the door- 

 yard homes of the brave, little, gentle and highly useful 

 bluebirds. 



Richmond, Ky. 



