BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 



27 



it a certain wild plaintiveness and naivete extremely interesting* 

 It is not uttered with the rapidity of the ferruginous thrush (Tur- 

 dus rufus), and some other eminent songsters ; but with the pleas- 

 ing tranquillity of a careless plough-boy, whistling merely for his 

 own amusement. When alarmed by an approach to his nest, or 

 any such circumstance, he makes a kind of rapid chirruping, very 

 different from his usual note. This, however, is always succeeded 

 by those mellow tones which seem so congenial to his nature. 



High on yon poplar, clad in glossiest green. 

 The orange, black-cappM Baltimore is seen; 

 The broad extended boughs still please him best, 

 Beneath their bending skirts he hangs his nest; 

 There his sweet mate, secure from every harm. 

 Broods o'er her spotted store and wraps them warm ; 

 Lists to the noontide hum of busy bees, 

 Her partner's mellow song, the brook, the breeze ; 

 These, day by day, the lonely hours deceive, 

 From dewy morn to slow descending eve. 

 Two weeks elaps'd, behold a helpless crew! 

 Claim all her care and her affection too ; 

 On wings of love th'assiduous nurses fly. 

 Flowers, leaves and boughs abundant food supply; 

 Glad chants their guardian as abroad he goes. 

 And w aving breezes rock them to repose. 



The Baltimore inhabits North x\merica, from Canada to Mex- 

 ico, and is even found as far south as Brazil. Since the streets of 

 our cities have been planted with that beautiful and stately tree, the 

 Lombardy poplar, these birds are our constant visitors during the 

 early part of summer; and amid the noise and tumult of coaches, 

 drays, wheelbarrows, and the din of the multitude, they are heard 

 chanting " their native wood notes wild;" sometimes too within a 



