291 



perhaps ninety per cent, would be included between two 

 parallel lines six and eight feet respectively above ground. 

 This is certainly a noteworthy characteristic of his habits 

 and represents the acumen of generations of shrike experi- 

 ence. 



A foot or more higher and the cosily-lined home would be 

 buffeted about by the fierce spring winds, perhaps with dis- 

 astrous results. A foot or so lower would bring them within 

 the limits of the curiosity and mercy of the country lad, the 

 former trait of whom is unlimited and the latter seldom 

 demonstrated. Even located as they are, we too often see a 

 nest turned on its side, with a cornstalk thrust through it 

 and the contents broken upon the ground. Short legs and 

 shorter arms not being able to secure, the selfishness of 

 human nature shows itself in destroying that which cannot 

 be obtained. 



Our Loggerhead is not, however, discouraged by occa- 

 sional reverses but will immediitely proceed to build a new 

 home and a fortnight later be happily engrossed in his new 

 possessions. It is here that we see him at his best, for he is 

 strictly a home bird, and will not object to a much closer in- 

 spection of his life than is allowed by most birds. 



His personal appearance is one of meekness and does not 

 in the least betray that cruel hidden nature that often shows 

 itself in an undeniable manner. While Mother Nature de- 

 creed that he should prey upon the field mice and other de- 

 structive rodents, and gave to him a hooked beak that he 

 might more readily devour his prey, we find it hard to 

 forgive his cannibalistic tendencies when we discover a 

 little song bird impaled upon the cruel thorns. We are more 

 willing however, to forgive his faults when we see the love 

 and attention he bestowes upon his little mate and the un- 

 selfish care he devotes to his family of little ones. 



The male proves an admirable character in his home life. 

 He helps to build the nest and is the constant companion 



