216 ORCHARD ORIOLE. 



these birds pass through; having himself examined them both 

 in spring, and towards the latter part of summer, and having, 

 at the present time, in his possession thirty or forty individuals 

 of this species, in almost every gradation of change. 



The Orchard Oriole, though partly a dependent on the indus- 

 try of the farmer, is no sneaking pilferer, but an open and truly 

 beneficent friend. To all those countless multitudes of destruc- 

 tive bugs and caterpillars, that infest the fruit trees in spring 

 and summer, preying on the leaves, blossoms and embryo of 

 the fruit, he is a deadly enemy; devouring them wherever he 

 can find them; and destroying, on an average, some hundreds 

 of them every day; without offering the slightest injury to the 

 fruit, however much it may stand in his way. I have witnessed 

 instances where the entrance to his nest was more than half 

 closed up by a cluster of apples, which he could have easily de- 

 molished in half a minute; but, as if holding the property of his 

 patron sacred, or considering it as a natural bulwark to his own, 

 he slid out and in with the greatest gentleness and caution. I 

 am not sufficiently conversant in entomology to particularize 

 the different species of insects on which he feeds; but I have 

 good reason for believing that they are almost altogether such 

 as commit the greatest depredations on the fruits of the orchard; 

 and, as he visits us at a time when his services are of the great- 

 est value, and, like a faithful guardian, takes up his station where 

 the enemy is most to be expected, he ought to be held in re- 

 spectful esteem, and protected by every considerate husbandman. 

 Nor is the gayety of his song one of his least recommendations. 

 Being an exceedingly active, sprightly and restless bird, he is 

 on the ground on the trees flying and carolling in his hurried 

 manner, in almost one and the same instant. His notes are shrill 

 and lively, but uttered with such rapidity and seeming confu- 

 sion, that the ear is unable to follow them distinctly. Between 

 these he has a single note, which is agreeable and interesting. 

 Wherever he is protected, he shows his confidence and gratitude, 

 by his numbers and familiarity. In the Botanic Garden of my 

 worthy and scientific friends, the Messrs. Bartrams of Kingsess, 



