OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 163 



faithful and jealous husband. When not engaged 

 in the procurement of food for her and self, he 

 seeks to relieve the monotony of her task by his 

 best vocal performances ; and ever and anon, shows 

 his delight by the most ridiculous and unmeaning 

 rhapsodies and gestures. During these exhibi- 

 tions of overflowing spirits, he chants his prettiest 

 and best. The approach of an enemy on such 

 occasions, is heralded by loud and noisy chatter- 

 ings between fear and anger; and even frequent 

 attempts are made to repel the intruder. 



The young are objects of intense solicitude on 

 the part of the parents. Both are assiduous in 

 their efforts to provide them with suitable and 

 abundant nourishment. Larvae of various kinds, 

 diptera, smaller lepidoptera, and the berries oiFra- 

 garia Virginica and Rubus villosus are in great 

 demand. As they advance in age, their diet is in- 

 creased in quality and quantity. In about thirteen 

 days from the time of hatching they leave the nest, 

 and in a week more they are thrown upon their 

 own resources. In this latitude there is but one 

 brood in a season. 



In a nest before us which may be considered 

 typical in Eastern Pennsylvania, the exterior is 

 rather loose in structure, and composed almost ex- 

 clusively of the inner bark of Bctulu excelsa, in 

 strips from one-half to nearly three-fourths of an 

 inch in width and nearly nine inches in length, in 

 some instances. Interiorly there is a thick lining 

 of roots compactly interwoven, and "which gradu- 



