FLOCKING ALREADY! 131 
selection of a locality for nesting and rearing their 
brood. The work of building absorbs all their 
attention, and they are quite indifferent to the less 
weighty problems of Blackbird life. They never 
wander far from the nest, not even when the young, 
importunate brood make extravagant demands for 
food. They gather delicacies all day long, never 
venturing far afield, but gleaning from the adjacent 
swamps and bogs. The conduct of the Blackbird at 
this time is most exemplary, even from a selfish, 
human point of view, for he provides a bill of fare 
consisting largely of insects. 
As soon as the cares of the household are thrown off 
and the young brood are able to battle with the world 
the Blackbird becomes the most sociable of all the 
summer residents. Then the sudden appearance of a 
hurrying flock gives a disquieting reminder of the 
passing of summer. The new flock lacks organisation 
or purpose, and seems too happy to think of the 
pursuit of pleasure. The restraints of a season of 
domestic care are forgotten in the glad abandon of a 
new life. This is the time for raids and depredations. 
The fields of ripening grain are an irresistible tempta- 
tion. The flock scurries here and there, settling for a 
moment to gather a few grains of Wheat, and rising 
in response to an irregular impulse, to disappear 
among the crowding Maples. There is no leadership 
among the hurrying marauders as they move about 
