THE IOWA ORNITHOLOGIST. 



Perhaps a half-dozen species are busy with second broods. 



But did I not forg-et that charming-, sweet-voiced g-oldfinch 

 {Spitius Tristiis') who has just commenced the cares of housekeeping-? 

 Nay, the pretty mansion in the elm is not yet completed! The 

 courtship of the bird of July is a charming- sight. What a time 

 he has courting- that little spouse of his! It would seem that these 

 sombre maidens are harder to woo than the others of their sex. 

 And yet writers would have us think that this delay in nesting- is 

 on a account of a late coming insect necessary for the welfare of 

 the nestling-, or for the thistle silk, which alone makes a fit cushion 

 for his delicate spouse and her "wee babies!" 



THE (iOI.DFINCIl. 



By no means does Master Goldfinch cease evincing affection 

 for his mate when nest-building commences. From morning till 

 night you may here his joyous notes. He is singing as he accomp- 

 anies his mate on almost numberless excursions across the meadow 

 to the pasture land, where the overworked or indolent farmer has 

 left the thistle to gain a stronghold; singing as he returns with 

 Lady Goldfinch, who hasher beak loaded with "thistle silk" for 

 the nest; singing as, perched upon the topmost twig-, of the elm, 

 he watches her weave that rude material into an artistic structure 



