62 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
closed by the frequent windings of the river, as 
you speed along its rapid current. Now the 
wail of the forest seems to mourn the impetuo”s, 
relentless waters, which, by their constant in- 
roads, have swept the beautiful verdure from 
her borders, which once sheltered, with its over- 
spreading masses, the grief of the cypress, like a 
veil the sorrowing nun. Again, the desolate 
camp of the Indian is in sight, or about the nu- 
merous fairy islands which decorate the stream 
boats are visible, sometimes gliding silently, at 
others swiftly, stemming the waters like atten- 
dant genii of the scene. Thousands of birds 
enlivening the adjacent woods gratify the ear 
with their sweet’ mellow notes, or dazzle the 
sight, as in their gorgeous attire they flash by. 
Among the pendant branches of the tall tulip 
the brilliant oriole gracefully moves, seeking its 
food among the opening leaves and blossoms. 
Arriving from the south, this beautiful bird 
enters Louisiana with the spring. He then 
seeks some suitable place in which to nestle, 
generally the gentle slope of a declivity. Hav- 
ing found the desired spot, he commences chir- 
rupping, as though congratulating himself upon 
the discovery. Anxious to furnish himself with 
a comfortable residence also, he proceeds'to form 
his nest, in the construction of which astonish- 
ing sagacity is displayed. First securing the 
