AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY 



93 



tail spread and rufF raised, apparently looking to see if he was observed- 

 No one was looking, he concluded, and so he stood erect and preened him- 

 self. Then the woods resounded with his drumming. He seemed to pro- 

 duce the sound by striking his wings against the side of his body. This, he 

 did very slowly at first, then, after a short pause, he gradually increased 

 the the speed until the sound died in a continuous whirr. 



Ten consecutive times I saw this partridge drum, and every time he went 

 through the same preliminary movements. 



After watching for a time, I made my presence known, by going nearer, 

 only to see him hop from his stump and disappear in a great flurry. About 

 fifteen minutes later, as I stood on the edge of the woods, some distance from 

 this spot, I heard the sound of his drumming, which seemed to come from a 

 long distance. 



All summer, I thought of this persistent fellow, drumming on his stump 

 to call a mate. Always there came the wish that the ruthless hunter would 

 spare his life, and that he might secure a loving mate. 



Elsie Space Jackson. 



^i.(^.K.J<^il 



address all communications to 



Meg Merrythought 



156 Waterville St., Waterbury, Ct. 



My Dear Young Folks: — 



Just now there is a great stir in Bird Circles, has it reached your town ? 

 Many of the birds are donning fresh coats of brighter colors than those 

 which they have worn during the winter months : each feather is combed and 

 preened and oiled. The members of the May-day Choral Society are mak- 



