8o AMEBIC AN ORNITHOLOGY. 



CHARADE. 



My first improves cream, and according to Solomon, children 

 likewise. My second may be good for us all, but no one desires it. 

 My third contains the last wishes of a dying man. My whole is a bird 

 with a mournful evening cry. ^ 



What is the bird thus described by Wilson? Have reduced the 

 science of flying to a fine art, they stand and even run upon the sur- 

 face of the water When any greasy matter is thrown overboard, these 

 birds instantly collect around it, facing to windward with tlieir long- 

 wings expanded, and their webbed feet patting the water. The light- 

 ness of their bodies and the action of the wind on their wings enable 

 them to do this with ease. In calm weather they keep their wings just 

 so much in action as to prevent their feet from sinking below the sur- 

 face. 



NUMERICAL ENIGMA. 



I am composed of 11 letters. My 11, 5, 8, 11, is something the lark 

 does that you cannot. My 9, 2, 3, 4, 11, is something you do that the 

 lark cannot. My 6, 8, 7, 10, 11, is something the Ovenbird does that 

 the Robin does not. My 6, 3, 4, 2, 11 is something that the Heron does 

 that the Ovenbird does not. My 6, 5, 9, 10, 11, is something a lazy 

 boy does not do if he can help it. The farmer 1, 5, 6, 11, and 9, 3, 10^ 

 2, 11, in the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11- My whole is a common bird. 



GLEANINGS. 



Come busy Nuthatch with your awl. 



But never mind your notes. 

 Unless you've dropped your nasal chords 



And tuned your husky throats. 



Ella Gilbert Ives. 



LEACH'S PETREL. 



When handled these birds emit from mouth and nostrils a small 

 quantity of oil-like fluid of a reddish color and pungent, musk like odor. 

 The ail- at nesting- site is strongly impregnant with this odor, 'and it 

 guides the searcher to the nest. (Chamberlain.) 



