BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
161 
is shown upon a live oak branch, of natural dimensions, and with the 
female in the distance. Her partner is figured in the foreground, and 
may be readily distinguished. His head and neck are a beautiful ultra- 
marine-blue, excepting a narrow patch from the chin to the breast, which 
inclines to vermillion-red. The eye-lids, and the under parts generally, 
are of this latter shade, while the rump is tinged with purplish. All other 
parts (the lesser wing coverts, tail feathers, and outer webs of quills ex- 
cluded) are green, excepting the interscapular region, which reflects a gloss 
of yellow, w^hile the undescribed portions are purplish-blue. What a con- 
trast to the female-bird, which can only boast of a dark green habit wdth 
a yellowish front. The young are the likeness of their mothers. The 
length of the adult is five and a half inches, and expanse of wings, two 
and seven-tenths. 
From the first commencement of the home, to its final completion for 
occupancy, not more than a week elapses, and the female is ready to 
deposit her first instalment of eggs. This is succeeded by similar pay- 
ments, to the number of four or live, of the great debt which Nature 
demands of her. Having settled the last obligation, she nestles down into 
her cosy chamber with the determination to watch and wait for the price- 
less treasures which she knows must be her ultimate reward. While she 
is thus about her agreeable business, her p>roud and dignified companion 
is abroad in quest of enjoyment and luxurious living. He seems to be 
the happiest of fellows. Could you hear him as he wends his way among 
the orangeries, in the full tide of song, you could not help feeling that he 
is the most thoughtless and cruel fellow of your acquaintance. Never a 
care does he ap]3ear to have for the jDatient little being who is sitting her 
life away, in order that his loneliness and hers shall be blessed with a 
happy house-full of children. But it is otherwise. Seemingly unmindful, 
he is at heart a clever being. Let but his home be invaded, and he is 
on the spot in an instant, ready to avenge any wrong, in his own summary 
manner, that may be attempted or committed. But his loving and Quaker- 
like housewife is possessed of greater forbearance. Trustful and gentle, she 
