A WOODLAND INTIMATE. 27 



denly, I walked as rapidly as possible 

 straight up to the nest, a distance of per- 

 haps three rods, giving her no chance to 

 slip off, with the hope of escaping unper- 

 ceived. The plan worked to a charm, or 

 so I flattered myself. When I came to a 

 standstill my eyes were within a foot or 

 two of hers ; in fact, I could get no nearer 

 without running my head against the 

 branch; yet she sat quietly, apparently 

 without a thought of being driven from her 

 post, turning her head this way and that, 

 but making no sound, and showing not the 

 least sign of anything like distress. A 

 mosquito buzzed about my face, and I 

 brushed it off. Still she sat undisturbed. 

 Then I placed my hand against the bottom 

 of the nest. At this she half rose to her 

 feet, craning her neck to see what was going 

 on, but the moment I let go she settled 

 back upon her charge. Surprised and de- 

 lighted, I had no heart to pursue the mat- 

 ter further, and turned away ; declaring to 

 myself that, notwithstanding I had half 

 promised a scientific friend the privilege of 

 " taking " the nest, such a thing should 

 now never be done with my consent. Be- 



