124 WOOD NOTES AND NEST HUNTING. 



ing the ends with saliva — a commodity with which 

 all birds of this kind are provided. 



While contemplating this wonderful work the 

 female arrives, and, though I stand within three 

 feet of the nest, she does not hesitate to fly upon 

 it. I move nearer, but the little mother, with val- 

 orous spirit, remains true to her trust. Her dis- 

 tressed, anxious expression is painful to look upon. 

 Her dark eye dilates, as she turns it up to me in 

 pathetic appeal, until I can endure it no longer 

 and retire to worship her heroism and give her 

 peace. The male now comes to present his worm- 

 offering, which his wife receives gracefully, hold- 

 ing it fast, while he reaches down again, and, 

 taking hold, draws it through his beak. This is 

 evidently to prepare the worm for the young 

 throats, but while I am in sight she wiU not stir to 

 give it to them. 



What mystery is this that gives the curious 

 marking and different coloring to the birds ? Look 

 at his golden crown, so clearly defined against the 

 black eye, strip, and triangular patch on the side of 

 the head and along the throat, ending abruptly in 

 a broad streak of chestnut on the sides, and the 

 pure white breast. If all this has been effected 

 through sexual selection, namely, " the more beau- 



