THE SUMMER RED BIRD. 59 



turns, and evince the greatest anxiety for their 

 safety. 



The Summer Eed Bird feeds on insects, and 

 seems to prefer those of the beetle tribe. He 

 will swallow very large ones indeed, such as you 

 would hardly suppose possible. And he likes to 

 pursue his prey on the wing, as the Fly-catchers 

 do. 



These beautiful birds are often seen perched on 

 the branches of a vine that grows wild in that 

 country, and is called the muscadine. In England 

 we cultivate the grape in hot -houses, with the 

 utmost care. But in the warm parts of America 

 it may be seen everywhere. 



Sometimes the vine climbs up the stem of some 

 lofty tree, and turns round and round the branches 

 until it reaches the extremities, when it still goes 

 on growing, and appears to swing in the air. Rich 

 clusters of grapes hang in profusion ; and when 

 they are ripe a shake will bring them down. 



The traveller, coming that way, welcomes the 

 sight of the fruitful vine, and stops to refresh 

 himself with its abundance. 



