BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
87 
rival. Again, he throws down the gauntlet, but none aj^pears to take it 
up. He may now retire ; his rights are proven. 
But hid away in leafy bower, a gentler being watches his movements, 
admires his bearing, and fascinated .by the courage she sees displayed, 
hopes that the next movement may bring him to her side, but dreading 
lest it may. At length their eyes meet, she trembles and attempts to fly, 
but cannot. Another look ; he reads the secret of her heart, and with 
one loud, exultant cry, flies straight to her, curtsies low, and with wing 
half-spread above her, whispers softly in her ear the story of his love. 
She listens, but draws away. He pleads once more. She stands irresolute. 
Again he makes the attempt. This time with all the eloquence of his 
being. He conquers, and what a joy is his ! 
The trial . over, the prize secured, the delighted lover, proud of his 
bride, showers upon her the rich fruitage of his love, guards her with 
jealous care, and seeks by every means in his power to add to her 
comfort and happiness. A few days thus spent, and the wedded couple, 
conscious of the sense of responsibility which attaches to them, cast about 
for a suitable spot for a home. They search through the tall, rank herb- 
age, among piles of driftwood that lie scattered about, under fallen cacti, 
or in the shadow of jasmine bushes, and at length make up their minds. 
Where none of these are to be found, they do not hesitate to take to an 
open field. Little more is needed than to fix upon a S230t, for the nest is 
far from an elaborate afiaii’, being aught else than a collection of loose, 
dry grasses arranged without much care. In many instances, even these 
articles are dispensed with. The Plate represents the ordinary style of 
nest, containing a set of thirteen eggs drawn to the natural size. On the 
left of the j^ieture may be seen the male, which differs from the female in 
his more brilliant and vivid colors, both being placed in the background. 
Having finished her simple domicile, or rather having chosen a spot 
for laying — for in the generality of cases no nest whatever is made — 
the female de]?osits day after day the eggs which are to constitute her 
