May 
one authority states it, ‘‘ to receive those birds 
which do not belong elsewhere’’ (!). This is 
certainly a masterly device for the perplexed 
scientist, but rather severe on the birds that 
must be thus huddled together in enforced 
relationship, as a penalty for the shortcomings 
of ‘‘science falsely so called.’’ And as for 
ourselves, inasmuch as we enjoy an individual 
just as well for not knowing his relatives (and 
sometimes a good deal better) we will try to 
forget that the humming-bird is cousin-in-law 
to the night hawk and the woodpecker, and 
admire the exquisite form, motion, and color- 
ing of the tiny creature unprejudiced by its 
scientific affinities. 
Nature is uniformly dignified in her works 
and ways, and yet she leaves a trace here and 
there of a humorous mood not incompatible 
with her repute. There isa sly touch of droll- 
ery in the appearance of the golden-crowned 
warbler or oven-bird, which must always elicit 
an amused smile from anyone who watches its 
movements,—an interesting specimen from any 
point of view. Almost invariably it is to be 
found on the ground, dodging out of sight as 
you approach it, its somewhat erect tail giving 
it a jaunty air, while with a mincing dignity 
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