196 IN BIRD LAND. 



well, here is a chance to let patience have her per- 

 fect work. Then think of her uneasiness at the 

 approach of every foe. It is work ; it is not mere 

 idleness. As for her lord, it may seem only like- 

 holiday sport to sit in the tree-top and sing all the 

 livelong day, to beguile the weary hours of his sit- 

 ting mate. But perhaps it often takes on the hue 

 of work, too, when singing becomes a duty. Small 

 wonder, if the choralist's vocal chords often become 

 jaded and sore, while there may be danger of bring- 

 ing on throat or lung trouble. Besides, he must 

 often carry a dainty morsel to his spouse when he 

 would much prefer to eat it himself. Then, he 

 must take his turn on the nest while his partner 

 goes off for a " constitutional " to get the stiffness 

 out of her joints, or gathers a relay of food and 

 preens her ruffled plumes. 



One of the most unpleasant tasks of the time of 

 incubation and brood rearing is the warding off of 

 enemies. And they are numerous. No feathered 

 parents can feel sure that they shall be able to tide 

 their little family safely over this perilous period. 

 Have you ever seen the plucky wood-pewee engag- 

 ing in a contest with that highwayman in feathers, 

 the blue jay? How he dashes at the bloodthirsty 

 villain, snapping his mandibles viciously at every 

 onset, and sometimes pecking a feather from his 

 enemy's back ! Nor will he give up the battle until 

 the jay steals off with a hangdog expression on his 

 face. The little warbling vireo is no less game when 

 the jay comes too near his precincts. 



