10 WILD SCENES AND SONG-BIRDS. 



amusing to listen to thirty or forty of them beginning one 

 after another, as if ordered to follow in quick succession, 

 after the first notes given by a leader, and producing such a 

 medley as it is impossible to describe, although it is extremely 

 pleasant to hear it. While you are listening, the whole flock 

 simultaneously ceases, which appears equally extraordinary. 

 This curious exhibition takes place every time that the flock 

 has alighted on a tree, after feeding for awhile on the ground, 

 and is renewed at intervals during the day." 



But these are not all the curious ways Eobert has. 



He is very fashionable, and Eke the other " absentee" gen- 

 try of the south, follows the spring toward the north to do 

 his courting. Now this is very sagacious of master Bob 

 for he is aware that " spruce and jocund" maiden has a way 

 of making up for her shorter stay in these boreal regions, by 

 the displaying a greater profusion of " beck and nod, and 

 wreathed smiles I" 



Sometimes the gallant is in too great a hurry to get the 

 benefit of these sweet dispensations, and he reaches the am- 

 orous vicinage before his " sparking suit" has come out (the 

 change usually occurs during his transit). 



Eobert is so evidently mortified at the want of his " Sun- 

 day-go-to-meetins" at such a time, that Mr. Audubon puts forth 

 the insinuation that the feathered " Mercutio" appears rather 

 mopish for awhile ; such a volcanic heart has he, though, 

 that in spite of this, "no sooner does a flock of females (who 

 follow from a week to ten days after) make its appearance, 

 than these dull-looking gentlemen immediately pay them 

 such particular attention, and sing so vehemently, that the 

 fact of their being of a different sex becomes undeniable." 



Kob gets his fine clothes on at last, and, while the love- 

 season lasts, becomes more sprightly than ever. 



" Their song is mostly performed in the air, while they are 

 rising and falling in successive jerks, which are as amusing 

 as the jingling of their vocal essays. The variety of their 

 colors is at this juncture very remarkable. It is equally so, 



