" UPON THE TREE-TOP." 119 



and doubtless he thought he had outwitted the 

 enemy. But he underrated the intelligence of 

 the small bird, for although difficult to reach 

 him, it was not at all impossible. He simply 

 rose above the crow, pounced directly upon 

 him, and instantly rose again, instead of glanc- 

 ing off one side as usual. It was distinctly dif- 

 ferent, but equally effective, and in a few mo- 

 ments the crow gave up the contest for the 

 time, flying across the orchard, and making a 

 deep swoop down to avoid the plunge of his 

 assailant. 



Unfortunately, like some personages of mili- 

 tary fame, this bird did not know when he was 

 beaten, and every day or two, through June, 

 hostilities were renewed. On one occasion I 

 was pleased to see a kingbird join the oriole 

 and assist in worrying the common enemy in 

 his passage over the house. Several times, be- 

 fore the little ones became too clamorous, the 

 female oriole accompanied him. 



This bird's song consisted of four notes, and 

 it is curious that although there is a peculiar, 

 rich, flute-like quality by which the oriole notes 

 may be recognized, no two sing alike. Robins, 

 song sparrows, and perhaps all other birds sing 

 differently from each other, so far as I have ob- 

 served, but none differ so greatly in my opin- 

 ion as orioles. The four that I have been 



