81 



little ones, — rather ungallant of ^Ir. Bluebird to tlius expose 

 liis mate to fancied dangers lie dare not face. 



Another pair of Bluebirds lias nested annually, for 

 years, in the top of a certain fence jiost. This same nest 

 has, on several occasions, furnished a little jolie at the ex- 

 pense of some of my friends. As we ajiproached the field 

 in which this post was located, I would casually remarli 

 that I had a little Bluebird-friend that would allow nie to 



Fig. 70. The sleeve of scare-crow opened so as to show the 

 nest anil eggs. 



put my arm about her without any attempt to get awa}'. 

 Naturally such a statement would be viewed with some 

 doubt and I would be called upon for proof. The proof 

 was easv, for I had but to step up to the post and put my 

 arm about it, the bird at the time being sitting closely upon 

 the eggs within. Usually two broods a year were reared in 

 this secure home. 



