128 " UPON THE TREE-TOP." 



crows to the end of his days. But, alas, he had 

 miscalculated his strength, and before reaching 

 his goal he came fluttering to the ground. The 

 parents were at hand, but instantly became si- 

 lent, apparently not knowing how to help him, 

 for this was a serious calamity. It was in an 

 open lane that he had come down, and at any 

 moment a passing boy or dog might discover 

 him ; so, although I should have liked to see if 

 they could do anything for him, I did not dare 

 risk it. I hurried down, and found him run- 

 ning about in the hot grass, wild-eyed and 

 panting, but silent. The moment I came near 

 both parents found their voices and began 

 scolding ; but after a good look at him I drew 

 down a low branch, and put him upon it, when 

 the orioles became quiet, and I left them. He 

 was yellowish-drab on the breast and ash-col- 

 ored on the wings, with distinct oriole mark- 

 ings, short wings, and no tail ; smaller in pro- 

 portion to the parents than a young robin, I 

 think. 



Quiet descended once more upon the " cradle 

 in the tree-top," though I saw, to my surprise, 

 that it still was not empty ; four birds of that 

 size I should think enough, and more than 

 enough, to fill it. The father assumed the care 

 of the two just out, and the mother alone re- 

 mained about the home. The next day passed 



