Be THE BLUEBIRD. 
Mr. Smithkons finds that more than half of the boxes are occupied each season; 
and he counts the birds of inestimable advantage in helping to save the grapes 
and apples from the ravages of worms. In two instances Robins accepted the 
partial shelter afforded by the boxes and nested in the crotch of the tree imme- 
diately under the Bluebirds. 
The eggs, from four to six in number, are a uniform pale blue, with a 
Taken near North Amherst. Photo by the Author. 
ONE OF MR. SMITHKON’S BLUEBIRD BOXES. 
A ROBIN’S NEST APPEARS IN THE CROTCH BELOW. 
surface | somewhat 
polished. Owing to 
the delicacy of the 
pigment, cabinet 
specimens fade read- 
ily. Pure white sets 
are on record, and 
faded blues are not 
unusual. Two or 
three broods are 
raised in a season. 
Doubtless Blue- 
bird’s song owes 
somewhat of the 
high estimation in 
which it is held to 
thie) w facts tlita tent 
sounds forth at a 
time when there are 
few rivals, and the 
aspect of nature con- 
trasts somewhat 
sternly with its good 
cheer. Be that as it 
may, his soulful 
warbling notes will 
always be regarded 
as something half 
sacred by those who 
understand. Cheery- 
cheery - cheery, 
dearie, are the notes 
of the  flight-call. 
