36 
RURAL HOURS, 
though we were gazing at them through the elaborate mouldings 
of a great Gothic window — a fine frame for any picture. Several 
boats were moving about, and there was a sparkling ripple play- 
ing in the simshine, as though the waters enjoyed their freedom, 
Tuesday, Wth. — Coming in from a walk this afternoon, we 
found a beautiful oriole perched upon the topmost bough of a 
locust on the lawn ; no doubt he had just alighted after his jour- 
ney, for they travel singly and by day, the males appearing first. 
The new comers among the birds often perch in that way, with 
an observing look, on their first arrival. It is early for orioles, 
but we ga\ e our guest a hearty welcome, with an invitation to 
build near the house ; we seldom fail to have one of their hang- 
ing nests on our narrow lawn, and some years two famihes have 
built here. Our visitor looked brilliantly handsome, as he sat 
hio-h on the leafless tree, in his coat of o-olden red and black ; but 
in spite of their fanciful costume, the orioles are just as well be- 
haved as the robins — harmless, innocent birds, bearing an excel- 
lent character. We all know how industrious and skilful they 
are in building ; both work together at weaving the intricate nest, 
though the wife is the most diligent. They are particularly affec- 
tionate to their young ; if any accident befalls the brood, they 
grieve so earnestly that they actually forget to eat, returning re- 
peatedly to the spoiled nest, as if in hopes of yet finding some 
one of their little flock. Their voices are remarkably deep and 
clear, but they have few notes ; those, few they will sometimes 
vary, however, by imitating their neighbors, betraying an inclina- 
tion to mimicry. One taste they share in common with the hum- 
ming-bird, and some others ; they like flowers, the apple blossoms 
especially, feeding on them as long as tliey last, and even com- 
