392 SINGING BIRDS. 



nambuco. Mr. Townsend met with them on the Rocky Moun- 

 tains, and Audubon observed them breeding in Texas. In 

 Oregon we found them nesting in the knot-holes of the oaks, 

 and they did not appear to court the society of man, as we 

 seldom saw them near the fort. In their haste to return to 

 their natal climes, they sometimes expose themselves to fatal 

 accidents from changeable and unfavorable weather. In the 

 maritime parts of Massachusetts, and probably throughout the 

 State, a few years ago after a rainy midsummer, many were 

 found dead in their boxes, and they have since been far less 

 numerous than formerly. 



This beautiful species, like many others of the family, seeks 

 out the dwellings of man, associating itself equally with the 

 master and the slave, the colonist and the aboriginal. To the 

 Martin it is indifferent whether its mansion be carved and 

 painted, or humbled into the hospitable shell of the calabash 

 or gourd. Secure of an asylum for its mate and young, while 

 under the protection of man it twitters forth its gratitude, and 

 is everywhere welcomed to a home. So eager is it to claim 

 this kind of protection that sometimes it ventures hostilities 

 with the Bluebirds and domestic Pigeons, who are often forced 

 to abandon their hereditary claims. Satisfied with the recep- 

 tion and success, like so many contented and faithful domes- 

 tics, it returns year after year to the same station. The 

 services of the Martin in driving away Hawks and Crows from 

 the premises he claims, are also important inducements for 

 favor; he has even the courage to attack the redoubtable 

 Kingbird, when its visits are too familiar near the nest. 



At the approaching dawn the merry Martin begins a lively 

 twitter, which, continuing for half a minute, subsides until the 

 twilight is fairly broken. To this prelude succeeds an ani- 

 mated and incessant musical chattering, sufficient, near the 

 dwelling, to awaken the soundest sleeper. His early vigils are 

 scarcely exceeded by the domestic Cock ; the industrious 

 farmer hears the pleasing call to labor, and associates with this 

 favorite bird the idea of an economical, cheerful, and useful 

 guest. 



