sometimes causes must be attributed to 

 its too great abundance in some lo- 

 calities." 



We may then enjoy these interestino- 

 Blackbirds — the scarlet epauleted male 

 in his glossy black dress, and his more 

 somber mates in plumage of brownish 

 gray — knowing that while they take 

 some of the earth's products which are 

 of value to us, they destroy a much 

 larger quantity which are injurious to 

 our interests. It is interesting: to watch 

 the aerial evollutions of a large flock 

 of Redwings. Often these flocks con- 

 tain hundreds, and at times there may 

 be thousands of birds, flying"- in ever 



varying ranks and appearing like a con- 

 stantly changing black cloud, driven by 

 the wind. Often the scarlet epaulets of 

 males will add a pleasing touch of color 

 as the bright rays of the sun are reflected 

 from them. At times the flocks seem to 

 be holding a carnival and suddenly 

 wheeling, will alight in a mass in some 

 grove. Immediately there is a perfect 

 babel of voices — a grand concert from 

 Redwing throats — which may be heard 

 at long distances. In the words of Mr. 

 Lowell : 



'Tis a woodland enchanted! 

 By no sadder spirit 



Than Blackbirds and thrushes, 

 That whistle to cheer it. 



TO THE BLACKBIRD. 



Queen of warblers, tuneful Blackbird, 



How I love thy morning song; 

 Perched upon the hedge or willow, 



Leader of the feathered throng. 



Black thy wing and ebon-feathered. 



Full of peace and joy thy note; 

 Dance with mirth those eyes of pleasure, 



Shining brightly like thy coat. 



Sing to me those carols of gladness, 



Let thy music fill my soul; 

 In the tumult of thy raptures 



Every note doth tears console. 



Sing again, thy song of welcome, 



Praise with joy the morning dawn; 

 Make the flowers and the woodland, 



Call the cuckoo and the fawn. 



Nature loves thee, happy Blackbird, 



Lovely morning's first delight; 

 Fill the world with warbling always 



Welcome thou with morning's light ! 



— Harry B. Tierxev 



73 



