70 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
of scarlet and black should excite the envy of some cruel and conscienceless 
collector, and he he summarily called ujron, at the peril of his life, to 
part therewith. 
The female, on the contrary, less attractive in style and dress, has 
fewer human admirers, and is permitted to roam ad libitum, and with as 
much freedom and confidence as any of the little feathered creatures that 
crowd about our doors. 
But a change comes over the males after the lapse of a week or ten 
days. They may now be seen along our thoroughfares, and in our fields 
and gardens, acting with none of their former timidity, but endeavoring, 
by their beautiful plumage, agreeable manners, sweet song and useful 
service, to ingratiate themselves into the favor and esteem of their human 
brethren. 
Thus affairs continue for nearly a month, the sexes crossing and 
recrossing each other’s 2Daths in their many journeyings, and so intent 
upon the procurement of food, that the object of their mission is either 
entirely lost sight of, or else is held in check, for the nonce, by some 
strong imjmlse of their being. 
Events, however, are ripening for a sj^eedy fulfilment of the business 
that has called them hither. The males exhibit less anxiety about food- 
questions, and a jDOsitive distaste for the unsettled and lonely lives which 
they have been leading. A similar feeling, but less consificuously mani- 
fested, pervades and animates the gentler sexes, if outward actions afford 
jDi’oj^er criteria for judging of internal emotions. But exceedingly more 
coy than their imj^erial lords, they keep at a respectable distance, pre- 
ferring to be wooed and won, rather than assume any other role in the 
drama. 
The duty of taking the initiative steq» falls to the lot of the male. 
In order to accomplish this j^urjiose more effectively, perhaps, as he thinks, 
he seeks the tall tree-tops, and for many a long and weary hour, thrills 
the ambient air with his sweetest music. We have seen many a venture- 
