PArERS ox ZOOLOGY 179 



Early in March when, wandering by the brook, 



From out a brambly nook 



Rang this same merry tune ; 

 Prophetic of the days that were to be 



When every bush and tree 



Would shelter songsters soon. 



And ere we have recovered from surprise, 



We hear from out the skies 



Another sound of spring : 

 For though we do not see their azure coats. 



We catch the warbled notes 



Of bluebirds on the wing. 



The pewees lend their voices to the choir. 



And orioles, flashing fire. 



Contribute their flute notes. 

 And soon, above the insect voices shrill, 



The air is all a-trill 



With music from bird throats. 



And when October lays upon each field 



Her glimmering, golden shield 



The meadow lark will sing 

 A reminiscent song, — most sweet to hear 



In the departing year, — 



Last echo of the spring. 



