74 THE RETURN OF THE NATIVES. 



their mean actions, and they go skulking about 

 the woods in small companies, chuckling among 

 themselves over their latest trick. Their behavior 

 is in striking contrast to the Wilsons and wood- 

 thrushes that are moving about here in a noble 

 and dignified way — the real ladies and gentlemen 

 of the woods. 



A week later nearly all the birds have arrived. 

 Some have only remained here a few days while 

 on their way, by easy stages, to more northern lati- 

 tudes, while other migrants have lingered longer, 

 as if with half a mind to make this pleasant wood 

 their home. The redstart, chestnut-sided and yel- 

 low warbler have come to stay. The Maryland 

 yellow-throat sings, seph-she-did-it, seph-she-did-it, 

 in the lowlands, and the golden crown salutes you 

 with his peculiar chant. 



The vireo begins at once his questioning query- 

 query-o-query-ee in his clear, echoing, musical voice, 

 but sounding fainter as I walk away from his cir- 

 cuit. 



The chestnut-sided warbler defiantly lifts his 

 head, and widely opens his beak when he sings, as 

 if he challenged the clouds and winds to do their 

 worst. Cat-birds are flying silently and suspiciously 

 among the bushes. The wood thrushes are tuning 



