232 THE LIFE OF A BIRD. 



solace of the mother, while kept by duty from 

 enjoying herself in the forest, or roaming with her 

 companion whither she will ; but unfortunately 

 for this idea, birds sing when their partners have 

 not begun, or have even long since concluded the 

 cares of a parent. However, it can scarcely be 

 questioned that the song of the male bird must be 

 charming in the ears of his mate, though to ours, 

 it seems in the case of the carrion crow and in 

 others, rather unlike music, or pleasant sounds. 



But the attentions of the male bird do not end 

 with the mere display of his musical talents ; he 

 supplies his partner with something more substan- 

 tial than notes. Leaving her for a little season, 

 he disappears and plunges down to the oozy bed of 

 the river, where aquatic larvse of various kinds, 

 and other food agreeable to his own palate, and to 

 that of his mate, are to be found ; or, darting high 

 into the air, he may be seen wheeling in giddy 

 flight after insects on the wing, and returning, 

 faithful to his plight, supplies his mate with the 

 fruits of his expedition. This continues until the 

 time arrives which is to liberate the shell-imprisoned 

 young, and at this time both parents engage in 

 the office of catering for the family. 



