10 
WILD SCENES AND SONG-BIRDS. 
amusing to listen to thirty or forty of them beginning one 
after another, as if ordered to follow in quick succession, 
after the first notes given by a leader, and producing such a 
medley as it is impossible to describe, although it is extremely 
pleasant to hear it. While you are listening, the whole flock 
simultaneously ceases, which appears equally extraordinary. 
This curious exhibition takes place ever}^ time that the flock 
has alighted on a tree, after feeding for awhile on the ground, 
and is renewed at intervals during the day." 
But these are not all the curious ways Eobert has. 
He is very fashionable, and like the other " absentee" gen- 
try of the south, follows the spring toward the north to do 
his courting. Now this is very sagacious of master Rob — 
for he is aware that " spruce and jocund" maiden has a way 
of making up for her shorter stay in these boreal regions, by 
the displaying a greater profusion of "beck and nod, and 
wreathed smiles 1" 
Sometimes the gallant is in too great a hurry to get the 
benefit of these sweet dispensations, and he reaches the am- 
orous vicinage before his " sparking suit" has come out — (the 
change usually occurs during his transit). 
Robert is so evidently mortified at the want of his " Sun- 
day-go-to-meetins" at such a time, that Mr. Audubon puts forth 
the insinuation that the feathered " Mercutio" appears rather 
mopish for awhile ; — such a volcanic heart has he, though, 
that in spite of this, "no sooner does a flock of females (who 
follow from a week to ten days after) make its appearance, 
than these dull-looking gentlemen immediately pay them 
such particular attention, and sing so vehemently, that the 
fact of their being of a different sex becomes undeniable." 
Rob gets his fine clothes on at last, and, while the love- 
season lasts, becomes more sprightly than ever. 
" Their song is mostly performed in tlie air, while they are 
rising and falling in successive jerks, which are as amusing 
as the jingling of their vocal essays. The variety of their 
colors is at this juncture very remarkable. It is equally so, 
