A SEASON OF GROWTH 53 



conspicuous bough, ready to dart out after a wander- 

 ing moth or butterfly. The Oven-bird sounds its 

 familiar crescendo. The Veery, the most passionate 

 and joyful singer of the woods, is announcing the 

 arrival of summer. His call is indescribable, and 

 leaves an impression of wonder at the power of a few 

 connected notes. He seems to be churning his song 

 in a resonant shell, and with each dash there is a 

 swift outpouring of melody. Quiet indifference is his 

 best safeguard, and while he is filling the shrubbery 

 with his song and the listeners seek him in every 

 direction, he is sitting on an exposed twig, his 

 blotched breast and neutral colours blending im- 

 perceptibly with the background of opening foliage. 

 The Red -start, too, brings a pledge of returning 

 summer, winning a welcome with his open confi- 

 dence, cheerful note, and handsome plumage. As he 

 disappears in the underbrush the crescents of bright 

 salmon on wings and tail make a sharp contrast with 

 his coat of black. 



The Huckleberry bushes appear green and new, 

 the little cup-like flowers giving promise of a treat 

 for boys and birds as the summer advances. The 

 trees and shrubs show a varied yielding to the 

 season's influence. The rough, repellent Hickory has 

 great, swollen buds ready to release the enfolded 

 leaves. The Oaks are scarcely willing to yield at alL 

 Half-grown, spoon-shaped leaves are out on the 



