Bobolink. Reed Bird. Rice Bird 



The crack-brained bobolink courts his crazy mate 



Poised on a bulrush tipsy with his weight. HOLMES. 



When Nature had made all her birds, 



With no more cares to think on, 

 She gave a rippling laugh and out 



There flew a Bobolinkon. C. P. CEANCH. 



One day in the bluest of summer weather, 



Sketching under a whispering oak, 

 I heard five bobolinks laughing together 



Over some ornithological joke. C. P. CRANCH. 



When little Teddy heard a merry bobolink, 



He said, " Mamma, that bird is laughing, I should think. " 



Still rang the wondrous song, 



So varied, clear and strong, 



And listening Teddy cried, 

 "Why, I should think he tied a lot of songs together." 



SELECTED. 



Out in the clover, blowing free, 



As the white clouds roll away, 

 In a mad-cap ripple of ecstasy, 



He's pouring his merry lay. 

 'Neath the blue of the peaceful summer skies, 



Where the bees round the flowers throng, 

 His wake, as over the field he flies, 



Is a bubbling trail of song. 

 O bobolinkum, by fancy led, 



What a happy fate to wing 

 O'er the sea of clover, billowy red, 



With nothing to do but sing. E. E. REXFORD. 



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