40 BIRDS THROUGH AN OPERA-GLASS. 



be driven from that a moment later. At length 

 forbearance ceased to be a virtue, and the temper 

 of the apathetic bee was aroused. A fierce battle 

 ensued. They pursued one another around and 

 around that flower bed, over and under and 

 through the flowers, sometimes the birds and then 

 the bees having the vantage. Their rage knew no 

 bounds, and they fought till sheer exhaustion com- 

 pelled them* to desist. Every flower was torn to 

 shreds, not a whole blossom remaining."-. 



The nest of the humming-bird is as delicate as 

 the little creature itself. It is built in the form 

 of a small cup, saddled upon a horizontal limb, 

 and covered on the outside with lichens which 

 make it look like a knob on the branch. The 

 child who discovers a humming-bird's nest is cred- 

 ited with sharp eyes. 



X. 



MEADOW-LARK. 



To many, the meadow-lark is only a voice, but 

 if you follow the rule laid down at the beginning 

 of your work, and are determined to see as well 

 as hear, you will have little trouble in finding the 

 owner of the plaintive call that rises so mysteri- 

 ously out of the grass. 



Focus your glass on the meadow, and listen 

 carefully for the direction of the sound. As the 



