BIRDS OF THE GARDEN AND ORCHARD. 21 



viding that these birds "should not bring forth their 

 young until the time when the seeds used by them for 

 food have passed into the milk, and may be easily dis- 

 solved by the stomach." 



These little birds are remarkable for associating at a 

 certain season, and singing as it were in choirs. "During 

 spring and summer," says Mr. Fowler, " they rove about 

 in small flocks, and in July will assemble together in con- 

 siderable numbers on a particular tree, seemingly for no 

 other purpose than to sing. These concerts are held by 

 them on the forenoon of each day for a week or ten days, 

 after which they soon build their nests. I am inclined 

 to believe that this is the time of their courtship, and 

 that they have a purpose in their meetings beside that of 

 singing. If perchance one is heard in the air, the males 

 utter their call-note with great emphasis, particularly if 

 the new-comer be a female ; and while, in her undulating- 

 flight, she describes a circle preparatory to alighting, they 

 will stand almost erect, move their heads to the right and 

 left, and burst simultaneously into song." 



While engaged in these concerts it would seem as if 

 they were governed by some rule that enabled them to 

 time their voices, and to swell or diminish the volume of 

 sound. Some of this effect is undoubtedly produced by 

 the gradual manner in which the different voices join in 

 harmony, beginning with one or two and increasing their 

 numbers in rapid succession, until all are singing at once, 

 and then in the same gradual manner becoming silent. 

 One voice leads on another, the numbers multiplying, 

 until they make a loud shout which dies away gradually, 

 and a single voice winds up the chorus. These concerts 

 are repeated at intervals for several days, ending probably 

 with the period of courtship. 



A singular habit of the Hemp-Bird is that of building 

 a nest, and then tearing it to pieces, before any eggs have 



