AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



91 



111 CHATS*™ 



FMIEIfll 



*& 



Address communications for this department to 



Meg Merrythought, 156 Waterville Street, 

 Waterbury, Ct. 



Dear Young Folks : 



As this month's Ornithology reaches you, you will be watching 

 for the first Bluebird — the welcome forerunner of the gay flocks 

 which springtime will soon bring us, though as I write the air is 

 filled with great flakes of snow. My grosbeak — Peggotty Zamelodia 

 Ludoviciana — seems to view with renewed surprise each snowfall. 

 She cocks her head, first on this side, then on that, and watches 

 the floating white flakes, as if she would say "Are you good to 

 eat?" Tasting is her usual test of most mysteries. She had a 

 taste of vinegar the other day, and I am sure none of you could 

 have made a worse face in token of dislike. But she will take milk 

 from a spoon as long as anyone will hold it before her, and shows 

 great fondness for oysters and fish. It was amusing to see her 

 examine a new clock which had been placed in the room. As soon 

 as her cage door was opened she flew upon the clock, looked it all 

 over, and finally flew down upon the shelf, where, by stretching, 

 she could just see herself in a small mirror in the lower part of the 

 clock, and vigorously picked at the bird which she saw looking out 

 at her. 



I wish the early risers among our boys and girls would take note 

 during the coming months of the earliest singer among the birds. 

 Many claim that the Chipping sparrow opens the morning chorus, 

 others, that the Robin's voice is first heard. "Lend me your ear" 

 and send me your verdict. 



In the ■engima, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in the 

 January number, the 9-11-10 should have read 19-11-10, making 

 get instead of act. Do not forget to inclose a stamp when you 

 wish a personal reply to your letters. 



Cordially your friend, 



Meg. Merrythought. 



