210 UPLAND AND MEADOW. 



he bolted westward in a bee-line, and, when last seen, 

 was like a grain of shot in the distant horizon. 



Not until late the next day did I see that valiant 

 king-bird ; and I doubt if he ever attacks a red hawk 

 again. 



July 4. — The translation of birds' notes into plain 

 English is sometimes possible, I have thought, when the 

 birds' actions are a clew to their utterances. This was 

 suggested early to-day by the excitement among the 

 house-wrens, caused by the popping of torpedoes. At 

 every explosion they jumped straight in the air, and 

 scolded in no unmeasured terms when they came down. 

 They scarcely believed the noise to be dangerous, but 

 were not sure whether to tarry in these parts was quite 

 safe ; but then, there were their young, and could they bo 

 left unprotected ? Poor wrens, they had to put up with 

 the racket all the morning, and vent their spite on the 

 dog, at whose ears they darted now and then, and 

 snapped viciously, but taking precious good care not to 

 come too near. I have said the wrens scolded, and upon 

 this point there will scarcely be any disagreement ; but 

 can we not go a little further, and classify the utterances 

 of other birds ? There is quiet satisfaction in the gentle 

 pee-wee's voice ; and who that hears the half -suppressed 

 chuckle of a blue-jay but knows that he has dined at 

 the expense and sorrow of some pair of nesting birds, 

 unable to drive off the murderous intruder. It is the 

 boast of one who claims to have been successful. Yes ! 

 but how ? Ah ! that is another matter, which we will 

 not discuss. A murrain seize all blue-jays that come 



