DAYS WITH OUR BIRDS. 13 



The summer birds were seen in a June day's stroll through fields 

 and groves near Boston. Each was interestingly characterized, 

 often by original stories and imitations of notes and songs. Most 

 prominent among these were the golden robin, kingbird, bobolink, 

 rose-breasted grosbeak, red-eyed vireo, thrasher, scarlet tanager, 

 indigo bird, cheAviuk, cuckoo, the thrushes of the wood, blue jay, 

 cedar bird, goldfinch, and some of the warblers, such as the red- 

 start, yellow warbler, and Maryland yellowthroat. The haunt of 

 «ach was shown on the screen, the bird itself in its natural colors 

 and attitude. 



The rose-breasted grosbeak, a bird now quite common in most 

 Massachusetts towns, is known in Pennsylvania as the "Potato- 

 bug bird," it being the only bird known to eat this pestiferous 

 beetle. 



In the above list of our common summer birds there are only 

 two or three but are known as beneficial to the cultivator. Not 

 far from the head of the list, for value, should be placed the red- 

 eyed vireo and his numerous tribe, birds nearly allied to the fly- 

 catchers proper. There are several species of these slim, little 

 olive birds, and although they are little known, save to the bird- 

 student, they doubtless far outnumber the robius. They prefer 

 hard wood growth, chiefly maple, elm, and oak, and are common, 

 alike to forest, and suburban street. 



As soon as one begins to make a study of bird-life, (which is of 

 the utmost importance to one who tries to cultivate anything) the 

 study of trees and shrubs obtrudes itself also. So attached is 

 each species to a particular tree, or kind of copse, that the farmer 

 or fruit grower might in time have a hand in choosing his bird- 

 visitors or tenants by cultivating conditions liked by his favorite 

 birds, and by omitting to cultivate conditions that might attract 

 those which he considers his enemies. 



Again the season is at hand in which we are to make the earth 

 produce goodly fruits and pleasant flowers for our use and cheer. 

 Let us add a new preparation this time — a new knowledge and 

 appreciation of our feathered friends, without whom — did you 

 ever think of it? — the earth could bear not even a blade of grass. 



