116 
OUR HOME BIRDS. 
destructive bugs and caterpillars that infest the fruit 
trees, preying on the leaves, blossoms, and scarcely- 
formed fruit. The oriole devours these wherever 
he finds them, but never injures the fruit, no matter 
how near it may be. ‘ I have witnessed instances/ 
says one of his admirers, ‘ where the entrance to his 
nest was more than half closed up by a cluster of 
apples, which he could have easily demolished in 
half a minute ; but, as if holding the property of 
his patron sacred, or considering it as a natural bul- 
wark to his own, he slid in and out with the greatest 
gentleness and caution.’ 
“ His song is particularly gay and animated, and 
he is one of the most active, sprightly, and restless 
of birds — on the ground, on the trees, flying and 
carolling in his hurried manner in almost one and 
the same instant. His notes are shrill and lively, 
and, although uttered with such rapidity and seem- 
ing confusion, the ear is able to follow them dis- 
tinctly. Between these he has a single note, which 
is very pleasant. Whenever he is protected he shows 
his confidence and gratitude by his numbers and 
familiarity. 
“ These birds, like the Baltimores, seem to be 
easily tamed, and become very affectionate. One 
which a gentleman reared, and kept through the 
winter, whistled with great clearness and vivacity 
