BLUE BIRD. 



S. Stalls. 



PLATE XXVIII. THE BLUE BIRD. 



THE pleasing manners and sociable disposition of this 

 little bird entitle him to particular notice. As one of our 

 first messengers of spring, bringing the charming tidings 

 to our very doors, he bears his own recommendation al- 

 ways along with him, and meets with a heart}'' welcome 

 from every body. 



Though generally considered a bird of passage, yet so 

 early as the middle of February, if the weather be open, 

 he usually makes his appearance about his old haunts, the 

 barn, orchard and fence posts. Storms and deep snows 

 sometimes succeeding, he disappears for a time ; but about 

 the middle of March is again seen, accompanied by his 

 mate, visiting the box in the garden, or the hole in the old 

 apple-tree, the cradle of some generations of his ancestors. 

 " When he first begins his amours," says a curious and 

 correct observer, " it is pleasing to behold his courtship, 

 his solicitude to please and to secure the favor of his be- 

 loved female. He uses the tenderest expressions, sits close 

 by her, caresses and sings to her his most endearing war- 

 blings. When seated together, if he espies an insect de- 

 licious to her taste, he takes it up, flies with it to her, 

 spreads his wings over her, and puts it in her mouth." If 

 a rival makes his appearance, (for they are ardent in their 

 loves,) he quits her in a moment, attacks and pursues the 

 intruder, as he shifts from place to- place,* in tones that be- 

 speak the jealousy of his affection, conducts him with 

 many reproofs beyond the extremities of his territory, and 

 returns to warble out his triumph beside his beloved mate. 

 The preliminaries being thus settled, and the spot fixed on, 



