WOOD NOTES AND NEST HUNTING. IO9 



tree near by, and, with tlie positions of serenaded 

 and serenader reversed, pours out a heart-song, in 

 six short stanzas, uttered at intervals of half a 

 minute, which is interpreted thus : — 



"Ohee — cheer — cheer — 

 Chip along — cheer — cheer ! " 



The words are pronounced with the tongue of a 

 foreigner, it is true, and seem broken ; but, con- 

 sidering the artist's recent arrival from Guatemala, 

 he has succeeded admirably in mastering the lan- 

 guage. At first, the song is begun in a low tone, 

 as if the musician were doubtful how he might 

 proceed ; but, as he advances, it reaches a raptu- 

 rous climax, and then falls down into the common- 

 place ending almost as it began, faltering and 

 inarticulate. 



Looking up, I see a spot of white, red, and black 

 among the leaves. Although I have seen the bird 

 at a distance many times, this is my first real intro- 

 duction to the rose-breasted grossbeak. Knowing 

 what he is after, I seek a covert to allow him free 

 use of the stream, on the banks of which he soon 

 appears, and, wading into the depths, where is 

 reflected the carmine on his front, scoops up with 

 deep, broad bill the water needed to clear his 



