him, a regular little termagant, scolding bird bubbling over with a nervous ener- 



with all her might whenever the kittens gy that betrays itself in every note he ut- 



looked that way. ters. Wait quietly and he approaches, 



Marsh wrens, small brown birds, with but go one step in his direction and he 



barred wings and tail, breed in or about recedes to the swamp where human foot 



the swamps and marshes of Lake Cham- may not follow, 



plain. Push your boat up the creek, the only 



They are intensely interesting from avenue leading to his abode, that tantal- 



their habit of constructing several nests izing song leading on meanwhile like the 



but one of which is utilized for house- Pied Piper of Hamelin, though unlike the 



keeping. After the real nest is made and latter there is no disillusioning at the end. 



the first egg laid, the male stays closely Red-winged blackbirds take wing as you 



at home busying itself with building sev- enter the twilight of soft green and am- 



eral nests, which are to all appearances ber shade and the far-off music of their 



entirely superfluous. In locating these jangle-bells becomes less musical, the 



he does not go beyond the immediate males striving "to recommend themselves 



neighborhood of the true nest. by music, like some awkward youth who 



Some have thought that these sham serenades his mistress with a jewsharp," 

 nests are used as hiding places for the and using the air or the alder tops as a 

 male, a Lilliputian watch tower or guard parade ground upon which to exhibit 

 house, from which close watch is kept their musical evolutions. And yet you 

 over the home property. Whether Mrs. are witness to many a voluntary bit of 

 Marsh Wren really needs such close sentiment that will increase your interest 

 watching, being more inclined to flirt in this scarlet epauletted regiment, de- 

 than the ordinary feathered spouse, or scendants of the dusky tribe that anchor- 

 because she is a better wife, so infinitely ed long ago in this peaceful haven, going 

 precious that she must be guarded from out and coming in with the tide until the 

 every side, is, as yet, an unsolved ques- legend of their coming is as vague and 

 tion. "Love holds the key to all un- shadiowy and misty as that of the golden- 

 known," and though there is little to ad- fleece voyageurs the Argonauts. They 

 mire in a deportment made fine by com- ebbed and flowed with the stream ; came 

 pulsory measures, no doubt both parties at the proper time and season without 

 understand the situation, which is quite knowing why ; anchored and launched 

 enough for practical purposes. These their ebony ships when it was time for 

 nests, conspicuous from their size and sailing. 



exposed position, are securely attached Here and there along this waterway 

 to the upright swaying reeds, some of the branches clasp hands above the creek, 

 which penetrate their substance. They forming an arch of green within which 

 are lined with soft grasses and have an vines sufficiently elegant to warrant ex- 

 entrance at one side, often nearer the clusiveness cling in unaffected grace to 

 bottom than the top. Mr. Burroughs, the alders, without inquiring or caring 

 who has found the marsh wren's nest as to the pedigree of their support. It is 

 surrounded by half a dozen make-be- sufficient for them that the support is 

 lieves, says the gushing, ecstatic nature there. 



of the bird expresses itself in this way. A whole half mile along the stream and 



It is simply so full of life and joy and of trees and bushes disappear, leaving a 



parental instinct that it gives vent to it- dense mass of reeds, the marsh wren's 



self in constructing sham nests ; the gen- "am countrie," out of which he is never 



erous-hearted creature being willing to at his best and to which he gives you no 



build and support more homes than can welcome. 



be furnished or utilized. Birds, like persons, have wonderful 



Entering the Lake Shore drive at St. powers of concentration upon one topic, 



Albans Bay, where dense tangles border woe be to you if that topic happens to be 



the swamp beyond, you are sure to hear yourself ! 



a song that is unmistakably wrennish. Every denizen of the swamp regards 



You have glimpses also of a small brown you with suspicion, watching each move- 



is? 



