A MIDSUMMER PRINC& 237 



The nest being done, the female begins to deposit her 

 eggs on the successive day, and continues laying one each 

 day until four or five are laid. The eggs are pointed oval, 

 0.90 by 0.60 of an inch in dimensions, grayish- white, with 

 a roseate tinge in fresh and transparent specimens, and va- 

 riously marked with blotches and irregular lines, like pen 

 scratches, of purplish-brown. On the day following, incu- 

 bation begins, and the eggs hatch at the end of about fif- 

 teen days, bringing it to the middle of June. 



The courage and devotion of the parents in defence of 

 their nests are known to every ornithologist. They expose 

 themselves fearlessly to danger rather than desert their 

 charge, and call upon heaven and earth to witness their 

 persecution. I remember one such instance. I discovered 

 a nest with eggs in a sycamore on the banks of the Yantic 

 River, in Connecticut. In trying to examine it I roused 

 the ire of the owners, who showed the most intense anger 

 and dismay. Enjoying this little exhibition, I did all I 

 could to terrify the fond parents without harming them a$ 

 all, and then quietly watched the result. The birds flew 

 close about the nest, screaming and uttering a loud roll- 

 ing cry like a policeman's rattle, which very soon brought 

 plenty of sympathetic and curious friends. A cat -bird 

 ventured too near, and was pounced upon by the Baltimore 



