July 
estimate. Perchance the ‘‘ Maryland yellow- 
throat’’ would be the peer of any I have 
named, if it were only at rare intervals we 
could see it. In reality, each is bettered by the 
others, enhanced by the diverse charms of all 
the group, and certainly each is best enjoyed by 
foregoing all critical thoughts of comparison. 
Each living creature carries its own atmos- 
phere—the interwoven: influence of all its traits 
and aspects; and much as we have descanted 
upon the strong impression made by the rich 
coloration of plumage, yet this is not commonly 
the aspect of the creature that produces the 
most lasting effect; and thus, with all due ad- 
miration for their fine and immaculate array, the 
birds that one holds in the most affectionate re- 
membrance are not the glittering ‘‘ warblers.’’ 
9 
An acquaintance to be commended to every 
observer is a very common bird, somewhat 
smaller than the robin, and with some resem- 
blance in color, as a careless view of it might 
suggest, known as the towhee bunting, or che- 
wink, also not inaptly called swamp or ground 
robin, from its habit of living in swampy 
places, and being generally found on or near 
205 
