AN INDUSTRIOUS FAMILY 



269 



winter," when all save a corporal's squad of the grand army 

 of birds have fled southward, and left us to our fate. They 

 are exceedingly industrious, and their efforts are directed 

 against insects of very destructive habits, the tree-borer and 



CHICKADEE. 



the bark-louse. In I heir work they are not continually 

 "playing to the gallery," and telling people how busy they 

 are. 



The Chickadee, or Black-Capped Titmouse, 1 is one 

 of the dearest little fellows that flies. It always reminds me 

 of a forest elf, in a black cap and a feather cloak. Instead of 

 making a great show of f right, like a girl in the presence of a 



1 Pa'rus at-ri-cap'il-lus. Length, o.'15 inches. 



