58 



AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



ials. " But we soon learn that this was not Orioles way and that 

 Mother Oriole expected her mate to stay on guard in a tree near by, not 

 assisting except to drive away occasional intruders and send her now 

 then an encouraging remark, which we are forced to admit, she 

 answered in a somewhat shrewish tone. But perhaps it is trying to 

 the nerves to work so hard and see ones husband looking so handsome 

 and brilliant with nothing to ruffle either feathers or nerves. When we 

 came out on the third morning of the "reconstruction period " what was 

 our amazement to see, dangling from the nest, a long white thread 

 with a shining needle swinging at the end, the whole thing evidently 

 filched from our sewing left out doors over night. Oh, why did not 

 Mother Oriole reserve this crowning glory, of adding a real light- 

 ning rod to her home, till sleepy humans were awake to see ! We left 

 Elkhart during the days of rest to which Mother Oriole felt entitled 

 after her successful labors, so we could not watch the rearing of the 

 b>rood, nor have the satisfaction of watching Father Oriole engaged in 

 llis share of the labor. Flora Stake Ross. 



OSPREY. 



