crustaceans, worms, snails, insects and on its domains salt or fresh water 

 their larvae. These are captured from shores, marshes or prairie lands startles 

 the surface of the water, on the shore or it to wing ; its loud, whistled notes sound 

 are probed for, with the long, sensitive the alarm to other marlins hidden among 

 bills, in the soft soil of the banks or un- the tall sedges, and the entire flock flies 

 der shallow water. When feeding it off at an easy, steady pace, not rapid, yet 

 moves in an easy and graceful manner, not to be overtaken afoot. A beautiful 

 Its grace, and dignity well merit the say- posture, common to the plovers, cur 

 ing that "it is one of the most beautiful lews, terns and some other birds, is struck 

 of the birds sought by the sportsman. just as they alight. Raising the tips of 

 Neltje Blanchan has very aptly de- the wings till they meet high above the 

 scribed the habits of this bird. She says : back, the marlins suggest the favorite 

 "It is not the intention of the Godwit to attitude of angels shown by the early 

 give anyone a near view of either plum- Italian painters." 

 age or bill. The most stealthy intruder 



A BIRD-JOKE AT LEAFY LAWN. 



In early spring Robin Redbreast re- pounding on the tin roof-drain," said 

 turned to Leafy Lawn and selected a new Robin ; and Mrs. Robin looked about 

 site for his nest in the same apple tree his curiously and spied M>rs. Woodpecker on 

 father and grandfather had occupied dur- a near tree listening to her husband's 

 ing preceding summers. No other birds wonderful drumming. Mrs. Woodpecker 

 had yet arrived and Robin jumped about was thinking what a fine nest such a 

 on the sprouting lawn master of all he strong husband could cut out and what 

 surveyed. quantities of corn and nuts he could ham- 

 He soon discovered to his sorrow that mer into the bark of the trees for an extra 

 those selfish, quarrelsome sparrows who food supply. In a very short time the 

 tormented the birds last summer and woodpeckers selected the balm-of-Gilead 

 drove away the wrens, had gone no far- tree by the gate for their home and the 

 ther during the winter than to the eaves work began of cutting and tossing the 

 of a near barn, and were already back to tiny shavings and so making a hole large 

 their nest in the tall poplar, scolding and enough to accommodate Mrs. Wood- 

 threatening as disagreeably as ever. But pecker while she sat over the ivory eggs 

 Robin noticed that the limb which held waiting the day of their hatching, 

 their nest so high was dead and he hoped Mr. Woodpecker was recognized as 

 a strong wind would dash limb, nest and king of Leafy Lawn, perhaps because of 

 ugly sparrows all to the ground. his lordly manner and fine clothes. He 

 Robin looked very handsome in his always wore a jet black coat and white 

 crimson vest, hopping over the grass in a satin vest, and what was queer on a king, 

 scalloped path, with his modest little mate a large scarlet bonnet, 

 following in a similar path beside him. A few days after the arrival of the 

 Suddenly they stopped and listened. Woodpeckers, Robin saw Mr. Blue Jay 

 "Surely that is Mr. Woodpecker making a circuitous route to the tall pine 



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