62 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



closed by the frequent windings of tlie river, as 

 yon speed along its rapid current. Now the 

 wail of the forest seems to mourn the impetuous, 

 relentless waters, which, by their constant in- 

 roads, have swept the beautiful verdure from 

 her borders, which once sheltered, with its over- 

 spreading masses, the grief of the cypress, like a 

 veil the sorrowing nun. Again, the desolate 

 camp of the Indian is in sight, or about the nu- 

 merous fairy islands which decorate the stream 

 boats are visible, sometimes gliding silently, at 

 others swiftly, stemming the waters like atten- 

 dant genii of the scene. Thousands of birds 

 enlivening the adjacent woods gratify the ear 

 with their sweet mellow notes, or dazzle the 

 sight, as in their gorgeous attire they flash by. 



Among the pendant branches of the tall tulip 

 the brilliant oriole gracefully moves, seeking its 

 food among the opening leaves and blossoms. 

 Arriving from the south, this beautiful bird 

 enters Louisiana with the spring. He then 

 seeks some suitable place in which to nestle, 

 generally the gentle slope of a declivity. Hav- 

 ing found the desired spot, he commences chir- 

 rupping, as though congratulating himself upon 

 the discovery. Anxious to furnish himself with 

 a comfortable residence also, he proceeds to form 

 his nest, in the construction of which astonish- 

 ing sagacity is displayed. First securing the 



