"d 
110 Mr. Peabody on the 
over the branches, picking the fruit faster than 
their mouths will hold it; and not suspending 
their labor for an instant, except to invite other 
flocks that may be passing over, to descend and 
share it with them. 1f the horticulturist, who sees 
the results of his labor disappearing, undertakes to 
prevent it, he only wastes his powder; that some of 
their number are shot, is a matter of unconcern to 
the survivors; he may gratify his revenge, but the 
scene of plunder will go on before his eyes; and he 
can only console himself with the reflection, that, 
in proportion to the appetite with which they de- 
vour his fruit, is the energy, with which, at other 
seasons, they take his part against enemies which he 
himself cannot reach. The truth seems to be, that, 
till fruit becomes more common, as it doubtless will 
be, these depredations will continue to be vexatious 
and discouraging; and the better way will be, to 
accept them as an intimation, to provide enough 
$$. 
for ourselves and the cedar-birds too. 
There are some things curious and unexplained 
in the habits of this bird. They may not unfre- 
quently be seen sitting in a row ; when one who has 
found a favorite morsel, hands it to his next neigh- 
bor, he, instead of eating it, passes it on, and thus 
it goes round, each one declining it with a Parisian 
nod of his tall cap that is perfectly irresistible. 
What this ceremonious display may mean, it is nof 
so easy to tell. They have also a habit, when 
wounded, of remaining still and stiff, as if dead, 
and will suffer a person to take them up in his hand; 
without the least effort to resist or get away. 
