142 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
seldom quarrelling with other birds. Even the boys 
allow that the Blue Bird does no mischief ! 
97. Many of the farmers of the United States 
build a small retreat for him in a tree near the house, 
and for this he repays them by the cheerfulness of 
his song, and by the daily destruction of a multitude 
of injurious insects. 
THE KING BIRD. 
98. Although of so small a size, this bird well 
deserves his name, for he fears not to attack hawks, 
crows, and even the bald eagle, and he generally 
comes off conqueror. The upper part of his body is 
black, and the lower of a delicate white. His only 
song is a sort of shrill twittering. 
99. In pastures he often takes his stand on the 
top of a mullein stalk, near the cattle, making occa- 
sional sweeps to devour the passing insects and flies 
What is said of the courage of the King Bird ? Where is he 
usually found ? 
