THE FINCHES 



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along the Red river of the north, and there may be no locality where its 

 nidification and breeding habits can be studied to greater advantage. On 

 entering the belt of noble timber that borders the river in June, we are sure 

 to be saluted with the rich, rolling song of the rose-breasted male; and, as 

 we penetrate into the deeper recesses, pressing through the stubborn luxuriance 

 of vegetation into the little shady glades that the bird loves so well, we may 



RED CARDINAL AND ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 

 (Five-eighths natural size.) 



catch a glimpse of the shy and retiring female darting into concealment, dis- 

 turbed by our approach. She is almost sure to be followed the next moment 

 by her ardent spouse, solicitous for her safety, and bent on reassuring her by his 

 presence and caresses. Sometimes during this month, as we enter a grove of saplings, 

 and glance carefully overhead, we may see the nest placed but a few feet from the 

 ground in the fork of a limb. The female, alarmed, will flutter away stealthily, 

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