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DEPARTING SUMMER VISITORS 



Many feathered visitors that enlivened the spring 

 with their ecstatic melodies have clothed themselves 

 in quiet attire and are preparing for the southern 

 migration. Some of the gayest are coming back from 

 the north woods so modest and sombre that they seem 

 almost saddened by the passing season. But their 

 neutral shades are only a formal deference to the 

 quietness of autumn, for the sprightly activity and 

 eager delight of their transitory gatherings and 

 momentary sociability reveal a full measure of the 

 joy of living. The Scarlet Tanager, glowing with all 

 his intensity of colour in early spring, so bright as 

 to make a day memorable throughout the year, can 

 scarcely be recognised in the timid, retiring bird of 

 subdued and sombre markings, seemingly anxious 

 to avoid attention till he can steal away under cover 

 of night. The Bobolink that poised fluttering over 

 the growing meadow in spring, showing a splendid 

 contrast of glossy black with white and pale yellow, 

 has also taken on the quiet tints and markings of his 

 mate. 



The shades, colours, and markings of birds are 

 among the inviting problems. The struggle for 



