268 Twelve Months With 



They are still few in numbers, and give the impres- 

 sion of straggling transients on the way, or new 

 arrivals that are yet without a permanent abiding 

 place. Through force of habit in migrating, they 

 alight in the tree tops, and in early March are 

 seldom seen elsewhere. By April our own robins 

 will come down out of the sky, into the green grass, 

 and run about with us in that intimate association 

 which lasts through the summer, and makes them 

 dear to our hearts. 



March is also the month for erecting suitable 

 nesting homes as invitations to the returning blue- 

 birds to stop and make their summer homes with 

 us. If the ubiquitous sparrows are driven away 

 and not permitted to preempt the house before the 

 bluebirds find it the latter will establish them- 

 selves, and thereafter defend their domicile against 

 all comers. 



Maurice Thompson has inscribed these lines to 

 "An Early Bluebird": 



"Leap to the highest height of spring, 



And trill thy sweetest note, 

 Bird of the heavenly plumes and twinkling wing 

 And silver-toned throat! 



Sing, while the maple's deepest root 



Thrills with a pulse of fire 

 That lights its buds. Blow, blow thy tender flute, 



Thy reed of rich desire I 



