180 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



were collected a multitude of birds, of all sorts, sizes and colors, all 

 talking at once. Here were Vireos, Wrens and Flycatchers, Owls, 

 Finches, Sparrows and Meadow Larks, Chewicks, Catbirds, Grosbeaks 

 and Warblers in great variety, and a bevy of Swallows and Sandpipers 

 from the river bank. 



Presently a Brown Thrasher from the highest branch called the 

 assembly to order, a dignified black-billed Cuckoo was appointed as 

 chairman, and little Jenny Wren as secretary, partly, I mistrust, to keep 

 her quiet. 



The Hon. James Crow, in a long address gave the caicse oi the gather- 

 ing, which in brief, was this: — to learn what action the birds would take 

 in regard to various reports which had been brought as to the treatment 

 of birds in different parts of the country. 



Then, boys, your ears must have burned, as witness after witness 

 told of the good or ill they had received from your hands. 



Bob White mounted an old fence rail, and told how he and his family, 

 of over twenty, were kept from death through the cold and snows of 

 the last two winters, by grain and crumbs which thoughtful boys had 

 placed in sheltered places for them. The Nuthatches, Woodpeckers 

 and Brown Creepers told of similar care. Wrens, Martins, and Blue- 

 birds described the many boxes which had been built them for homes. 

 Robins told of the drinking and bathing dishes which gave comfort to 

 many birds through the heat of summer, while Chickadee had made 

 such friends among the boys that he came at their call, and fed from 

 their hands and lips. A gentle Wood Thrush said that this very morn- 

 ing, her nest with its treasures of four downy babies had been visited 

 by a boy whom she had so learned to trust, that she stood fearlessly 

 upon the brim of the nest and allowed him to see hernestful of darlings. 



Thus far, all had been delightful, and you would have been glad and 

 proud had you heard them singing your praises. 



But, alas, as another Wood Thrush took the stand, a darker side was 

 presented. It was a sad tale of a beautiful nest which she had fashioned 

 with great skill, searching far and near for twigs for frame work, and 

 soft grasses for lining, but ere the four blue eggs were hatched, the 

 nest was ruthlessly torn down, the eggs confiscated for a ''collection," 

 and she herself fled for her life. 



Madam Redstart darted about, nervously opening and closing her 

 feather fan,— "Oh! Oh! Hear me! Why did they shoot my mate with 

 their air rifles, was it because his orange and black coat was so hand- 

 some? They shot him and he lay torn and bleeding for hours till death 

 ended his sufferings." 



