PURPLE GRAKLE. 37 



shell that so long enclosed them ; their tottering heads are already raised 

 toward their mother, while she, with intense anxiety, dries and cherishes 

 them. They grow up day after day. The hole becomes nearly filled 

 with their increased bulk. The vigilance and industry of the parents also 

 augment apace. I wish, good-natured reader, you would seek out such 

 a sight : it would gladden your heart, for the rearing of such a family is 

 worthy of your contemplation. 



It is with regret that I must turn from this picture. I have already 

 told you that the Grakles are at least as fond of corn as the lords of the 

 land are. Hark to the sound of rattles, and the hallooing of the farmer's 

 sons and servants, as they spread over the field ! Now and then the report 

 of a gun comes on the ear. The Grakles have scarcely a single moment 

 of quiet ; they are chased, stolen upon, and kiUed in great numbers, all 

 the country round ; but the hungry birds heed not the slaughter of their 

 brethren. They fly in flocks from place to place, and, in spite of all that 

 the farmer has done or threatens to do, continue their depredations. 

 Food must be had. Grubs and worms have already retired to their win- 

 ter quarters within the earth ; no beech-nuts or acorns have yet fallen 

 from the trees ; corn is now their only resource, and the quantity of it 

 which they devour is immense. 



Now gloomy November brings up its cold blasts from the north, and 

 drives before it the Grakles from the Eastern States. They reach Loui- 

 siana and all the Southern States when autumn has not yet retired, wlien 

 the weather is still mild and serene, and the yeUow foliage of the wide 

 woods gives shelter to myriads of birds. The Grakles, congregated in 

 prodigious flocks, alight on the trees that border the vast forests, cover- 

 ing every twig and bough in such astonishing masses, that the most un- 

 skilful or most avaricious gunner finds no difficulty in satisfying his wish 

 for sport or game. This is the time to hsten to their choruses. They 

 seem to congratulate each other on their escape, and vociferate at such a 

 rate as to make one imagine their number double what it is. 



Beech-nuts and acorns are now abundant in the woods, having by this 

 time fallen from the trees, and the Grakles roam in quest of them in im- 

 mense bodies, rising on wing when disturbed, uttering at the same time 

 a tremendous noise, then making a few rounds, and alighting again. 

 They thus gradually clear away the mast, in the same manner as the wild 

 pigeons are wont to do. As the weather becomes colder, they frequent 

 the farms, and even resort to the cattle pens, where, from among the litter 



