BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. 187 



of that spray or on the end of that bare twig, and 

 it won't do to miss it. So when your neckache 

 becomes intolerable you fix your eyes immovably 

 on the most promising spot, and step cautiously 

 backward till you can lean against a tree. The 

 support disappoints you, your hand trembles as 

 much as ever, and your neck is growing stiff. You 

 make a final effort, take your glass in both hands, 

 and change your focus, when suddenly a low, fine 

 trill that you recognize from being accented on 

 the end like a redstart's, comes from a branch sev- 

 eral feet higher than before over your head. Your 

 neck refuses to bend an inch more. You despair. 

 But all at once your tormentor comes tumbling 

 through th^e leaves after an insect that has gotten 

 away from him, and you catch one fleeting glimpse 

 of orange that more than repays you for all your 

 cramps. 



LXIV. 



BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. 



LIKE other ladies, the little feathered brides 

 have to bear their husbands' names, however inap- 

 propriate. What injustice ! Here an innocent 

 creature with an olive-green back and yellowish 

 breast has to go about all her days known as the 

 black - throated blue warbler, just because that 

 happens to describe the dress of her spouse ! The 

 most she has in common with him is a white spot 



