July 
phrases which make them very pleasing, if not 
notable, songsters, and perched on some bush 
or the lower branch of a tree, concealed from 
view, their modest private rehearsals are well 
worth listening to. An unpretentious air per- 
vades the entire conduct of this bird. Seeming 
to know that it does not occupy a large place in 
the world, it makes itself attractive by content- 
edly filling a small one. 
A family that is very patience-trying to the 
beginner is that of the vireos, on account of the 
great resemblance of all the species. In song 
and nidification they are quite distinct, but they 
are not singing when they arrive in spring, and 
with no conspicuous markings it is almost im- 
possible to identify them at a distance. Of the 
four vireos I found in the Ramble, two were 
migrant—the ‘‘solitary,’’ which was perfectly 
silent during its short stay, and the ‘ yellow- 
throated’’ (which, if not migrant, at least dis- 
appeared soon after its arrival). ‘This latter is 
the handsomest of the family, with bright yel- 
low throat and breast passing abruptly into 
white beneath. Although not in song, it ut- 
tered a very characteristic note, and quite aggra- 
vated the observer by chiefly frequenting the 
higher branches. It is said to be a pleasing 
207 
