The Great Crested Fly-Catcher 59 
From their larger end descending 
Countless slender rays or streakings 
Seek the point, while in beginning 
They are blended in a tangle. 
What can be the explanation 
Of this bird's persistent fancy ? 
Why through countless generations 
Have they sought for cast-off snake skins 
To adorn or guard their nestings 
In the hollow of the tree-trunks ? 
Do the mouse, the snake, and squirrel 
Fear a scrap of harmless snake skin ? 
Wild and wary is this tyrant, 
Harsh his screaming, angry whistle, 
Strange his comings and his goings, 
Strange his likings and his hatings ; 
Round about Chocorua water 
He has found the haunts he fancies, 
But in many another valley 
None have ever heard his clamor. 
