36 
RURAL HOURS. 
thouo-li we were o-azino: at them through the elaborate mouldinjis 
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 sunshine, 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 gave our guest a hearty welcome, Avith an im'itation to 
build near the house ; Ave seldom fail to have one of their hang- 
ing nests on our narroAV laAvn, and some years tAvo families have 
built here. Our visitor looked brilliantly handsome, as he sat 
high on the leafless tree, in his coat of golden red and black ; but 
in spite of their fanciful costume, the orioles are just as Avell be- 
haved as the robins — harmless, innocent birds, bearing an excel- 
lent character. We all knoAV hoAV industrious and skilful they 
are in building ; both Avork together at AveaAung the intricate nest, 
though the Avife 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 A'oices are remarkably deep and 
clear, but they have feAV notes ; those feAv they Avill sometimes 
vary, hoAvever, by imitating their neighbors, betraying an inclina- 
tion to mimicrJ^ One taste they share in common Avith the hum- 
ming-bird, and some others ; they like floAvers, the apple blossoms 
especially, feeding on them as long as they last, and even com- 
