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AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



of a near tree. This limb appears to be the favorite perch for- Mrs. Blue- 

 bird, and is used as a lookout. As soon as she sights a grasshopper or 

 caterpillar, she drops down upon it and bears it away to her young. In 

 this case it is the male bird that shows the greatest fear. He positively 

 refuses to have his picture taken and will not go to the nest while the 

 camera is near. He shows, however, that he is willing to work and that 

 it is only fear of the camera, or that mysterious sun in the grass that pre- 



vents his doing his duty. He will get a choice morsel, carry it to a 

 branch, perhaps three feet from the nest, and there wait for his mate to 

 come and carry it the remaining distance. Rather ungallant for Mr. Blue- 

 bird to expose his mate to fancied dangers which he dare not face. Later, 

 however, he atones for his lack of gallantry. Owing to the convenient 

 situation of the nest, we soon have all the photographs that we desire, so 



