AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 59 



Next after robin came phoebe, who was a quiet little fellow, with a 

 sweet sad song. His coat like his song was very modest, but he was 

 welcome nevertheless. 



The children were apt to discover him flying about in the shed 

 looking for some convenient beam upon which to build a nest for Mrs. 

 Phoebe. 



Phoebe, phoebe, all day long. 

 Just that plaintive little song, 



If he knows another note. 

 It is hidden in his throat. 



Next after the phoebe, came the swallow, flying along the meadows 

 like the wind. He always wore the same brown coat, and was always 

 the same noisy fellow. You might see him perched upon the top of 

 the barn, or under the eaves, or he might be trying his wings over the 

 corn stubble. 



■r. Chatter chatter in the air, 



Chatter chatter 'neath the eaves. 



Chatter chatter everywhere 

 'Till the falling of the leaves. 



It was some time before the most beautiful song of all was heard, 

 but like all good things, it came at last. May be you discovered him 

 flying above the grass in the meadow, or perhaps he was perched upon 

 the top most branch of a small tree or bush, but there was no 

 mistaking the song. 



Gurgle, ripple sweetest song, 

 Sparkle, bubble, all day long, 



Merry music don't you think 

 From the wonderous bobolink. 



Then there were oriole and song sparrow each with a wonderful 

 song of his own, and a host of others that only chirped and twittered, 

 but all did what they could to make the summer days glad. 



Over in the beach woods was a very shy fellow. The children rarely 

 saw him, and even when they did, it was not much of a sight, for his 

 coat was a rusty brown, but he had a very peculiar song which you will 

 never forgot when you had heard it once. 



Cuckoo, cuckoo, in the woods, 

 How he loves the solitudes. 



Cuckoo, cuckoo, calling yet. 

 He is asking for more wet. 



