THE WILLOW WARBLER. 113 



biers are abandoned by their parents when able to fly, 

 and the birds for the most part lead a solitary life. 



The little Willow Warblers tarry on our bleak 

 northern shores long after many of their soft-billed 

 congeners have departed for southern climes. They 

 leave us by the latter end of September, and when I 

 miss these little songsters flitting gracefully from spray 

 to spray, I feel as though I had lost a number of friends ; 

 for what engaging little creatures these Willow Warblers 

 are. With the motions of the Flycatcher, Creeper, and 

 Titmouse ; with their own charming song and actions ; 

 with their active fairy-like aspect, and with their harm- 

 less and trustful disposition, they shall ever have a friend 

 in me. ' So little African wanderer, sweetest of all thy 

 sylvan race, rest here, each time Nature's mandates send 

 thee northwards, in peace and safety.' 



