ORIOLES. 263 



learning exactly the manner in which they work. The " Fire- 

 birds " are exceedingly clever architects, and a most skillful 

 knitter would be puzzled to construct a piece of work like 

 theirs, or even to understand how the original manufacturers 

 produce it. They do so by fastening at both ends a piece of 

 string, or grass, to the twigs between which their nest is to 

 hang, by winding and twisting it around them. Having fast- 

 ened many other pieces like these, so as to cross one another, 

 and to form a loose pouch, they interweave other materials with 

 care and skill, finally adding the lining. As Nuttall says : 

 " There is sometimes a considerable difference in the manufac- 

 ture of these nests, as well as in the materials which enter 

 into their composition. Both sexes seem to be equally adepts 

 at this sort of labor ; and I have seen the female alone perform 

 the whole without any assistance, and the male also complete 

 this laborious task nearly without the aid of his consort, who, 

 however, in general, is the principal worker." The young, 

 soon after being hatched, clamber to the edge of the nest, and 

 are there fed by their parents. They climb well, but some- 

 times tumble to the ground. 



The Baltimore Orioles frequent our orchards, gardens, and 

 the woods. They have a marked fondness for elms, and among 

 them may often be seen in villages, or even on Boston Com- 

 mon. I do not doubt that they are beneficial to man, for, 

 though they certainly destroy the blossoms of fruit-trees, they 

 are chiefly dependent upon insects, and check the ravages of 

 caterpillars more than any other of our birds. They feed also 

 upon berries, and occasionally search for food upon the ground, 

 where, however, they are but seldom seen. The male gener- 

 ally spends his time in wandering from one group of trees to 

 another, often flying vigorously for quite a distance. Then 

 perching near the top of some flowering shrub or tree, he deals 

 destruction around him, while he whistles exultingly. He is 

 apparently never burdened with family cares, but, on the 

 contrary, suggests the jovial man who frequents a convivial 

 club. 



d. His whistled notes are loud and clear, but, though sub- 

 ject to variation, are often monotonous. They never form a 



