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TWENTIETH CENTURY CLASSICS 



posed, the volubility and confused rapidity with which 

 they are poured forth, the eccentric breaks, in the midst 

 of which we detect the words ^ Bob-o-link ' so distinctly 

 enunciated, unite to form a general result to which we 

 can find no parallel in any of the musical performances 

 of our other song birds. It is at once a unique and 

 a charming production. ITuttall speaks of their song as 

 monotonous, which is neither true nor consistent with his 

 own description of it. To other ears they seem ever won- 

 derfully full of variety, pathos and beauty. 



" When their contests are ended, and the mated pair 

 take possession of their selected meadow, and prepare to 

 construct their nest and rear their family, then we may 

 find the male bird hovering in the air over the spot where 

 his homely partner is brooding over her charge. All this 

 while he is warbling forth his incessant and happy love 

 song; or else he is swinging on some slender stalk or 

 weed that bends under him, ever overflowing with song 

 and eloquent with melody. As domestic cares and paternal 

 responsibilities increase, his song becomes less and less 

 frequent. After a while it has degenerated into a few 

 short notes, and at length ceases altogether. The young 

 in due time assume the development of mature birds, 

 and all wear the sober plumage of the mother. And now 

 there also appears a surprising change in the appearance 

 of our gaily attired musician. His showy plumage of 

 contrasting white and black, so conspicuous and striking, 

 changes with almost instant rapidity into brown and 

 drab, until he is no longer distinguishable, either by 

 plumage or note, from his mate or young. 



^^ At the north, Avhere the Bobolink breeds, they are not 



