22 
NESTS ANN EGGS OE 
calling from her wanderings, the partner, whose presence he is anxiously 
awaiting in his shady retreat. 
Unblessed with the talent of producing sweet and soul-inspiring music. 
Nature has made amends for her seeming neglect by endowing him with 
certain mental and spiritual qualities which amj^ly compensate for the want 
of a melodious voice. A noble, self-sacrificing nature, and a courageous 
hut affectionate disposition, are traits of character . which onr little friend 
possesses in a remarkable degree. 
Aware of these high qualities, the female, never unduly coy, hut 
innocent, arch and simple, seeks rather than shuns the society of her suitor, 
almost as soon as she has reached his whereabouts, and proudly but cour- 
teously receives his attentions, which, without any show or pretension, she 
generously reciprocates by consenting to become his companion and help- 
meet. Consequently, the season of courtship is comparatively brief. 
Mating being accomj)lished, the newly-made couple, without much ado, 
and Avith hut little AA^aste of time, start off in quest of a suitable spot for 
a nest. This appears to be a difficult matter to settle. The jAasture-grounds 
and waste places for AAdiich they have all along manifested a strong j>redi- 
lection, are deserted for the more congenial situations to he found about 
the home of man. Orchards of pear- and apple-trees, or an isolated pear- 
tree in close proximity to a human dAA'elling, are noAV visited. When the 
former, tree after tree is examined, and the particular advantages of each 
discussed, before one is found which ansAA^ers all the requirements. These 
examinations often continue for a fortnight. The female seems to be the 
controlling spirit in these transactions. 
The nest is generally placed betAveen the forked branches of a pear- 
tree, although the apple, cherry, osage orange, oak, cottonAvood and tulip- 
tree are sometimes employed for this purjAOse. Why the pear should 
be preferred in certain localities above all other trees, it is difficult to 
divine, unless the density of its foliage, and the short spine-like twigs with 
AAdiich it is armed, afford security from the attacks of rapacious birds and 
