A PATTERN OF PROPRIETY 197 



The cedar-bird as every one knows is 

 a pattern of propriety, a feathered " Turvey- 

 drop," without the faults of that apostle of 

 " deportment." In every-day life his plumage 

 is never ruffled. He shows no excitement, 

 has no restless, fidgety ways, and his voice 

 is never raised above the low tones of good 

 breeding. He will sit an hour at a time 

 motionless, with an elegant repose of manner 

 unequaled by any bird of my acquaintance. 

 One can almost believe that as some one 

 says a cedar-bird will die of nervous shock 

 if his plumage is soiled. Though he so much 

 dislikes disorder, however, he does not mind 

 wet, no rain disturbs his beautiful equanim- 

 ity. He will sit during a heavy shower with 

 perfect composure, only laying his crest back 

 flat upon his head, and occasionally shaking 

 out his plumage. 



Even through the agitations of courtship, 

 that time that tries man's (and bird's) 

 soul, he abates not a jot of his reserve and 

 dignity. 



There is, however, one period in the life of 

 this interesting fellow creature when he no 

 longer sits by the hour silent and motionless 



