82 
A DAY IN JUNE 
was made to deceive or distract attention, but chilling, 
disagreeable fact suggests that the wood was found 
too hard* The successful excavation is higher up, 
and there she is already, alarmed at the stealthy 
approach, looking down with bright, round, startled 
eyes at the great, threatening intruder* A 
moment, and the staring spell is broken — she glides 
boldly out and wings her irregular course beyond 
the sheltering Maples in the crowding foreground* 
A slender arm can explore the rough tunnel in the 
wood, and down at the bottom is a little, solitary 
egg* The tiny object of her solicitude is brought 
forth to the light* It is pure white — so pure and 
translucent in the sun's rays that the yelk within 
gives it an elusive yellow tint, but in the shade its 
clear whiteness returns* With a care that even the 
startled bird could not surpass it is replaced, and with 
apologies unexpressed the intruders retire* Again 
the passing flash of yellow and white shows how 
anxiously and carefully she has been watching* She 
enters eagerly, and, after an anxious half-minute, 
comes forth again, happily satisfied in the safety of 
her treasure* 
The Indigo Bunting is among the pleasant summer 
songsters, but it is only by an accidental meeting in a 
shady spot that his handsome colour can be appreci- 
ated* In the warmth of summer even little Chippie, 
with his chattering trill, has a place among the 
