OUR HOME BIRDS. 
95 
gether. Some idea may be formed of this song by 
striking the high keys of a pianoforte at random 
singly and quickly, making as many sudden con- 
trasts of high and low notes as possible. Many of 
the tones' are in themselves charming, but they suc- 
ceed each other so rapidly that the ear can hardly 
separate them. Nevertheless, the general effect is 
good, and when ten or twelve are all singing on the 
same tree the concert is singularly pleasing.’ 
“ Audubon says : 4 Their song in spring is ex- 
tremely interesting, and, emitted with a volubility 
bordering on the burlesque, is heard from a whole 
party at the same time ; and it becomes amusing to 
hear thirty or forty of them beginning one after 
another, as if ordered to follow in quick succession, 
after the first notes are given by a leader, and pro- 
ducing such a medley as it is impossible to describe, 
although it is extremely pleasant to hear. While 
you are listening the whole flock simultaneously 
ceases, which appears equally extraordinary. This 
curious exhibition takes place every time the flock 
has alighted on a tree.’ 
44 Some one else calls the bobolink noisy and flip- 
pant, as 4 he sings only in the open field, and often 
while poised on the wing, as though to be seen and 
known.’ He is not an early bird, in the proper sense 
of the term, as he sings most frequently in the broad 
