The male shows a wonderful devotion to 

 his mate, constantly feeding her during 

 the period of incubation. He also assists 

 her in the care of their large family, for 

 the number of young varies from five to 

 ten. During this period they are far too 

 busy to care for society and it is only 

 during the colder months, when family 

 cares no longer hold them, that they seek 

 the companionship of their fellows and 

 other birds. 



The nest of this Nuthatch is usually 

 placed in a cavity excavated by the birds 

 in a tree, at a considerable height from 

 the ground. The laborious work of 

 chiseling the excavation is shared by 

 both sexes. The cavity is prepared for 

 the reception of the eggs by a copious 



lining of feathers, moss, fur and other 



soft substances that will form a soft bed. 

 Through the opening of the nest-cavity 

 the young birds pass quite early in their 

 lives and spend a few days creeping over 

 the home-tree before they attempt to fly. 

 Dr. Dawson has well described the 

 general appearance of this Nuthatch. 

 He says: "Nuthatch is the acknowl- 

 edged acrobat of the woods — not that he 

 acts for display ; it is all business with 

 him. A tree is a complete gymnasium in 

 itself, and this bird is the master of it 

 all. Top side, bottom side, inside, out- 

 side — this bird is there, fearless, confi- 

 dent ; in fact, he rather prefers traveling 

 head downward, especially on the main 

 trunk route." 



HONEYSUCKLE. 



"Pretty Honeysuckle, come and play with me ; 

 We'll go skipping, dancing o'er the grassy lea." 



"Nay, my little maiden, I must stay at home. 



If my work I'd finish, I've no time to roam." 



"Why ! you Honeysuckle, have you aught to do ? 

 Others stand here idle in the spot they grew." 



"Yes, my little maiden, do not pluck me, pray ; 



Picking will but kill me. God wills I shall stay." 



"Tell me, Honeysuckle, what work's given to you? 

 Do you find it pleasant out in rain and dew ?" 



"That, dear little maiden, only helps me grow. 



I must throw out fragrance and my beauty show. 



"Humming-birds and insects crave my nectar sweet ; 

 Workmen busy for them mix my dainty treat. 



Beauty spots and sweet airs give the world a charm ; 



Then I've green seed babies I must keep from harm. 



"In my heart they're tight locked, — their life just begun, 

 Berries grow and redden ere my work is done. 



So, dear little maiden, here I'll nod and play; 



You may visit with me through my life each day. 

 To the fields and meadows other flowers are sent ; 

 While my brief life lingers, here I'll stay content." 



LOVEDAY ALMIRA NELSON. 



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