THE BIRDS BEFORE UNCLE SAM. 115 
The Woodpecker: 
I am birddom’s carpenter, 
Can make the splinters fly ; 
On poles and posts and forest trees 
My merry trade I ply. 
My bill is my chisel, 
My tail is my stool; 
I’m never tired of climbing. 
For bluebirds, and “ daydees,” 
And downy owl babies’ 
I make the woods ringing, 
Cut rafters and railing. 
[Boy of ten to fourteen, with red cap and collar, white vest, 
trousers black, wings black, with a large white spot.] 
The Bobolink 
1. Robert of Lincoln is my full name ; 
I sing just for love, not for money or fame. 
My nest on the meadow few boys have found out, 
There I chatter and sing and gambol about ; 
Black, white, and brown are my colors so gay, 
To be sure I’m prettier than any young jay. 
2. Just one favor I will ask you: 
Pray, solemnly promise me 
Not to disturb the blackbirds 
Singing their “ okalee.” 
The blackbirds with the carmine wings, 
And those with golden heads, 
And grackle, and all on bush and reeds, 
That bathe where the cat-tails swing. 
