72 



ORCHARD ORIOLE. 



in respectful esteem, and protected by every considerate husband- 

 man. Nor is the gaiety of his song one of his least recommenda- 

 tions. Being an exceedingly active, sprightly and restless bird, he 

 is on the ground — on the trees — flying and carolling in his hurried 

 manner, in almost one and the same instant. His notes are shrill 

 and lively, but uttered with such rapidity and seeming confusion, 

 that the ear is unable to follow them distinctly. Between these he 

 has a single note which is agreeable and interesting. Wherever 

 he is protected he shews his confidence and gratitude by his num- 

 bers and familiarity. In the Botanic Gardens of my worthy and 

 scientific friends the Messrs. Bartrams of Kingsess, which present 

 an epitome of almost every thing that is rare, useful, and beautiful 

 in the vegetable kingdom of this western continent, and where the 

 murderous gun scarce ever intrudes, the Orchard Oriole revels 

 without restraint thro thickets of aromatic flowers and blossoms ; 

 and, heedless of the busy gardener that labours below, hangs his 

 nest, in perfect security, on the branches over his head. 



The female sits fourteen days ; the young remain in the nest 

 ten days afterwards, before they venture abroad, which is generally 

 about the middle of June. Nests of this species, with eggs, are 

 sometimes found so late as the 20th of July, which must either be- 

 long to birds that have lost their first nest; or it is probable, that 

 many of them raise two brood in the same season, tho I am not 

 positive of the fact. 



The Orchard Orioles arrive in Pennsylvania rather later than 

 the Baltimores, commonly about the first week in May ; and extend 

 as far as the province of Maine. They are also more numerous 

 towards the mountains than the latter species. In traversing the 

 country near the Blue ridge, in the month of August, I have seen 

 at least five of this species for one of the Baltimore. Early in Sep- 

 tember they take their departure for the south; their term of resi- 

 dence here being little more than four months. Previous to their 

 departure the young birds become gregarious, and frequent the 



