The Bobolink 225 



the appearance of the females. Upon their arrival 

 in the United . States the males are in full song, and 

 only one who has heard the wondrous melody of the 

 bobolink can form any idea of the effect produced by 

 several hundred singing in chorus. Beautifully as 

 they sing in the North, they favor the South with 

 still rarer treats. Audubon gives a description of 

 one of these charming concerts in the following 

 words : 



"During their sojourn in Louisiana, in spring, 

 their song, which is extremely interesting and emitted 

 with a volubility bordering on a burlesque, is heard 

 from a whole party at the same time; when, as each 

 individual is, of course, possessed of the same musical 

 powers as his neighbors, it becomes amusing to 

 listen to a hundred or more of them beginning one 

 after another, as if ordered to follow in quick suc- 

 cession, after the first notes are given by the leader, 

 and producing such a medley as it is impossible to 

 describe, although it is extremely pleasant to hear. 

 While you are listening the whole flock simultaneously 

 ceases, which appears equally extraordinary. This 

 curious exhibition is repeated at intervals during 

 the day." 



About the first week in May the bobolink is with 

 us, and he who has not had the pleasure of seeing and 



