AN AUGUST SONG 215 



though right before the eyes, so closely do its tints 

 accord with those of its habitat. Then the song 

 may abruptly cease, but if the observer remain 

 quite still it will probably be resumed at once ; 

 and then perhaps the very slight movement of 

 the grey portions of the wing coverts will lead to 

 the detection of the singer. He is quite close, and 

 one might think it an easy matter to take him in 

 the hand ; but this is easier attained by strategy 

 than by open violence. It will be seen that the 

 creature's long horns are turned towards anything 

 that excites his attention, and it is necessary to 

 engage this in order to make an unperceived 

 approach. One hand is slowly raised to a posi- 

 tion about a half-yard above him, and the fingers 

 are moved slowly. Soon both of the horns will be 

 steadfastly pointed towards this object of interest, 

 and then the other hand may be slowly brought 

 under the twig on which he sits, and with a sudden 

 movement he is taken. The legs must not be 

 held, for he will gladly surrender them in order to 

 gain liberty without them. 



Old males, doubtless bachelors, sometimes linger 

 until quite late in the season. Late one September 



