172 



AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



in the Goldfinches, to whom large seeded plants of this sort are a great 

 delight. They had lost their black caps and their golden yellow had 

 faded to a much duller hue, but their cheery notes, and their evident de- 

 light in the toothsome dainties helped to make a charming scene. 

 With them came flocks of Bluebirds with their gentle twitterings, spar- 

 rows of different sorts, and individuals of other species. These few 

 flowers furnished a feeding ground until well into the winter and served 



to brighten many a dreary day with glimpses of animated bird life. 



F. L. Grant. 



AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR, 



On February 11th I was walking in a marshy strip of land near Bos- 

 ton, when a Kingfisher flew from some low trees nearby. Alighting in 

 a tall oak, he looked around for a few minutes, then flew away towards 

 a larger stretch of marsh land. I wondered where he found food as all 

 the ponds near there were frozen; but his loud rattle as he flew away 

 did not sound as if it were uttered by a starving bird. cuy Emerson. 



Robert of Lincoln is gaily drest 



Wearing a bright black wedding coat, 

 White are his shoulders and white his crest. 



Robert of Lincoln's Quaker wife 

 Pretty and quiet, with plain brown wings. 



Passing at home a patient life. 

 Broods in the grass while her husband sings 



Bob-o-link, bob-o-link, 



Spink, spank spink. 

 Brood kind creature, you need not fear 

 Thieves and robbers while I am here. 



Chee-chee-chee! 



Bryant. 



