312 



AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



Address communications for this department to 



Meg Merrythought, Box 772, Waterbury, Ct. 



Dear Young Folks: 



Probably some of you have seen persons or animals that are called 

 albinos, because of the lack of certain coloring matter beneath the skin; 

 one of Waterbury's bird-lovers made the acquaintance of an albino 

 robin last summer. The bird's breast was red, but there were large 

 patches of white upon the back and outer tail feathers, while its bill and 

 eyes were pink, When the robin moulted in the fall it donned the nat- 

 ural colors worn by its mates. The same lady told of another robin 

 which wore an overcoat of glossy black instead of rusty gray. 



A number of years ago we were visited by a white robin for two 

 summers. Perhaps some of our little readers can tell us of some such 

 ghostly visitors which they have had. 



It was great fun to watch some birds taking their bath the other 

 morning, they seemed to enjoy the cold plunge, and splashing, and then 

 what a long time it took to get every feather smoothed and cared for. 

 You, — Madge Curlylocks — think it takes a long time to get the tangles 

 from your hair, but these little fellows have a greater task. You have 

 often seen puss wash her face and comb her hair with her paw, but 

 what do the birds do for a comb and brush? It has only its tiny bill, 

 and did you know that each one of these little feathered folk uses hair 

 oil; and carries a su,>ply in a little gland at the root of the tail, with 

 which he dresses his feathers? 



Our Roll of Honor has but three names this month. Perhaps the 

 puzzles have grown a little harder, or was it because August was the 

 last vacation month, and time was too precious to spend on puzzles? 

 The September puzzles were still harder, but I am sure you will suc- 

 ceed in finding the answers to some of them. 



Your Friend, 



Meg Merrythought. 



