The swallow-tailed kite was formerly found as far west as the great plains, and 

 northward to southern Canada. They winter in Central and South America. 

 Always of local distribution, their range is becoming even more restricted. 



The food of this hawk consists largely of insects, hence it is beneficial, it 

 also eats small reptiles. It captures its food, devours it and drinks while on the 

 wing. Kites migrate in flocks. In the last twenty years several migrating flocks 

 have passed through the Great Lakes region near Chicago in spring and fall. 

 This would indicate that the birds were either on an extensive hunting expedi- 

 tion, or resorted to some remote section of the country to breed. However, 

 little material is available regarding their habits, aside from that furnished by 

 Florida and Texas ornithologists. 



During the last fifteen years these birds have been found breeding in Texas 

 and the isolated pine regions of Florida, being about the only sections still 

 inhabited with any certainty by this fleet-winged raptor. In Florida the nests 

 are placed in the tops of the tallest cylindrical pines, usually in wet portions of 

 the state where the nests are accessible only during dry seasons. In several 

 scientific expeditions undertaken to procure the nest and eggs of this species, it 

 was found necessary to kill the male kite before ascending the tree to the nest, 

 as the bird boldly darted at the head of the collector, dislodging his head piece, 

 and striking him with its talons until several deep wounds were inflicted. 



Hollyhocks 



By Millie Noel Long 



\Miat are you guarding, Hollyhocks grand, 

 Standing seemingly hand in hand. 



Each one touching the next in line, ^ 

 Erect, magnificent, stately and fine? ^^K:' 



Your beautiful cups of satiny sheen 

 Like ears alert for the things unseen — 

 Ai^ they taking wireless messages fleet. 

 That you stand so quiet, with rooted feet ? 



In startling beauty you greet the sight. 

 So fine and flawless, so pure and bright, 

 You lift the thoughts from the common view 

 To the things eternal, the high and true. 



633 



