MAY. 138 



but as very little of this grain is raised in the Province, we 

 escape the ravages sustained by our less fortunate brother 

 agriculturists in the south. There is a kindred species, 

 hardly to be distinguished from this, the Rusty Grakle 

 CQuiscalus Ferrugineus), visiting us about the same time : 

 it has many of the habits of its congener, assisting in the 

 destruction of the corn, though not in such countless thou- 

 sands as the other. A large proportion of the individuals of 

 this species are of a rusty hue, but this is not found in the 

 full-grown male. 



C. There is a pretty bird with a black head, sitting on 

 the topmost twig of that leafless bush just before us. 



F. That is the notorious Kingbird (Muscicapa Tyran- 

 nus} ; a bird well known throughout this continent, and I 

 believe respected, wherever he is known. He is a bird of 

 the most undaunted courage : during the breeding season, 

 no bird of prey of any kind, no matter what its size or 

 strength may be, can approach his territory with impunity. 

 He sallies forth on the wing, attacks the intruder with vigour, 

 and makes even the kingly eagle retire from his premises. 

 The plumage on the head is frequently erected, and then 

 shows a rich bed of brilliant flame-colour, at other times 

 concealed. Like the rest of the flycatchers, he fixes on a 

 prominent station, like that occupied by the individual just 

 observed, whence he watches all around for bees, flies, and 

 other insects : when he perceives his prey, he darts into the 

 air, catches it with a snap, and instantly returns to his 

 watch-post again. 



C His slate- coloured back, and white breast, are very 



becoming ; and his character is noble, as it appears to be 

 in defence of his mate and young ones that all this courage is 

 exerted. The service of banishing birds of prey more than 

 compensates for the loss of a few bees. 



F. The Yellowbird (Fringilla Tristis) has been in 



