OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 21) 



scxguttata* Cratonychns cincre.ns* C. pzrtinax, P/atvnns 

 cupripennis, ffarp&lus carbonarins^ //. compar* //. pen- 

 sylvanictis. Miisca domeslica, Tabanus l/;ic >/a, T. c/ncti/s. 

 Asi/us sericeus, A. cestnans, Cnlex tceniorhyncJnis, and 

 Utetheisa beUa* Zerene catcnaria, Pcnthhia pomnticUa* 

 Anisoptcryx vcrnata, Scapha limacodcs. P/itsia precat- 

 ioiiis, Hybeniia tiliaria^ and Halesidota tcssollaris, ;unon^ 

 lepidoptera^ both in the perfect and larval stages. 



The Bee Martin, as this species is sometimes appropriately 

 designated, shortly after its arrival, commences to build. 

 The nest is ordinarily placed between the forked branches 

 of a pear-tree, generally in an orchard, or in close proximity 

 thereto. Why the pear should be preferred to the apple or 

 cherry, it is difficult to imagine, unless the density of its 

 foliage, and the short spine-like twigs with which the 

 branches are armed, afford greater security from the keen 

 gaze of rapacious birds and mischief-loving boys. The 

 nest is usually built in the top of the tree, where the denser 

 foliage abounds. Although instances have come under our 

 observation, where nests were placed not more than seven 

 feet from the ground. These nests were in localities where 

 the species had won the favor and esteem of man, and were 

 protected from harm. Occasionally, we have taken nests in 

 situations remote from human habitations, on the borders of 

 dense forests, facts which seem to indicate quite clearly that 

 the habit of building in orchards was acquired and brought 

 about in obedience to a change of specific character. A> 

 this species has a fondness for the little Apis lucUijica. 

 whose hives are placed in close contiguity to the domicile <>t 

 man, a desire to be near such articles of luxury, may have 

 prompted a change of habitat. 



It is true that the specjes is proverbial for courage, not 

 even fearing to attack the largest birds of prey, when led 

 within its jurisdiction ; and, therefore, the securities which a 

 pear-tree affords, are not absolutely necessary. Hut birds <>t 

 the least sagacity would not be slow to discern the advantu- 



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