OF ARTS AND SCIKNCHS. 79 



doubtedly in the scrub-pine growth on the sandy Bedford Plain 

 and in similar country just west of RockRimmon. Should they 

 return this coming summer it remains for enthusiastic bird- lov- 

 ers to bring to light one of their nests. 



Burroughs tells us that in Georgia " the Baltimore oriole 

 places its nest on the north side of a tree, in the middle and 

 eastern states it fixes it on the south and east side, and makes 

 it much thicker and warmer." He further says, " I have seen 

 the nest from the south that had some kind of coarse reed or 

 sedge woven in it, giving it an open-work appearance, like a 

 basket." We are all familiar with the nest which is sometimes 

 brought low by the winter winds. Then is revealed the won- 

 derful weaving about the strong, supple elm twigs, for it loves 

 the elm the best. Although the walls are thin, they are firm, 

 lyowell gives us the following gem : 



High o'er the loud and dusty road 

 The soft, gray cup in safety swings, 



To brim, ere August with it's load 

 Of downy breasts and throbbing wings. 



O'er which the friendly elm tree heaves 

 An emerald roof with sculptured eaves. 



Oh happy life to soar and sway 

 Above the life by mortals led. 



Singing the merry months away 

 Master, not slave, of daily bread, 



And when the Autumn comes to flee 

 Wherever sunshine beckons thee!" 



While living in summer woods, I have often seen the bril- 

 liantly colored redstart and his little mate together feed their 

 fluffy offspring, whose green coats so strongly resemble that of 

 their maternal parent. But patient search has never yet dis- 

 closed their dainty home. It remained for a kind friend to give 

 me the pleasure of possession of one of these nests. This one 

 was placed in the crotch of four branches, giving it a conical 

 shape. Its outer walls are almost entirely made of strips from 

 plant stalks, with here and there a bit of cotton, paper, or 

 twine ; the whole becoming thoroughly matted by exposure. 

 The inside is of soft hair. 



