ORIOLES AND ROLLERS. 57 



to Nature's general design in protective colouring. We have 

 instanced the complete effacement of the brilliant oriole 

 amongst the leaves. It is the same with the most gorgeous 

 creature that flies. It harmonizes with its environment so 

 completely as to be lost. But why instead of a nightingale's 

 pipe should tropical bird notes be as a rule raucous and 

 discordant? I am utterly at a loss for a reply. 



