My Elm-Tree Oriole. 135 



snubs our vanity, and we are taught that in 

 some ways we are not lords of creation. Too 

 often we lack due consideration and crow 

 over our neighbors, but with good reason the 

 crows can crow over us all. These black ras- 

 cals, as they are unfairly called, often take my 

 watermelons and I am out of pocket, but not 

 altogether a loser. I have gained knowledge 

 by experience and more nearly realize what a 

 bird really is. 



And a word in conclusion as to the bird- 

 world's more popular representatives, and here 

 again I leave their economic significance to be 

 discussed by the professional ornithologist I 

 know birds better as musicians ; that is from 

 a purely personal and selfish stand-point, and 

 speaking from such I commend to you these 

 birds whenever you are moved to approach 

 nearer to Nature and forget for the time being 

 the vexations that dog your steps as careworn 

 humanity. 



Have you heard the songs at sunrise, and, 

 too, those of a still earlier hour? Have you 

 been thrilled by the enthusiasm that marks these 

 carols at the birth of day? Have you joined 



