ii8 BIRD PARADISE 



in the churchyard told of his presence, and a lit- 

 tle later his full song given in the old apple tree 

 close to the rectory rehearsed the whole story. 

 How fresh and bright his new suit appeared, and 

 how his whistle seemed to give a stir-up to all the 

 bird life that came under its influence. My little 

 flycatcher had an attack of rage instantly. Such 

 scolding as he indulged in seems to be an accom- 

 plishment all his own. Oriole paid no attention 

 to the tirade, but went about his regular business 

 in a matter-of-fact way which insured its being 

 well done. No other bird rivals him in nest 

 building. He seems to have a real genius for this 

 kind of architecture, and expresses it in the deed 

 with wonderful skill. How deftly he hangs the 

 structure to the swaying limbs, and when once 

 secured, with what rare finish he weaves and 

 shapes his mansion. No other nest quite like it, 

 and none that shelters the little brood in greater 

 safety. Three or four of these oriole houses are 

 built in our village every season. 



When the time came for the last member of 

 the class to appear on the stage, he seemed a 

 little dazed by the unusual performances of his 

 fellows. He clambered up to the door of the 



