BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 
181 
'''ith the rapidity of the ferrug’iuous tlirush, (turdus 
and some other eminent songsters ; but with the 
pleasing tranquillity of a careless ploughboy, whistling 
•»erely for his own amusement. When alarmed by aii 
Approach to his nest, or any such circumstance, he makes 
a kind of rapid chirrupin^g, very different from his usual 
Wotp. This, however, is always succeeded by those 
•ttellow tones which seem so congenial to his nature. 
High on yon poplar, clad in glossiest green. 
The orange, hlack-capp’d Baltimore is seen ; 
The broad extended boughs still please him best, 
Beneath their bending skirts he hangs his nest ; 
There his sweet mate', secure from every harm. 
Broods o’er her simtted store, and n'raps them warm ; 
Lists to the noontide hum of busy bees. 
Her partner's mellow song, the brook, the breeze ; 
These day by day the lonely hours deceive, 
From dewy morn to slow descending eve. 
Two w-eek's elapsed, behold ! a helpless crew 
Claim all her care and her affection too ; 
On wings of love the assiduous nurses fly, 
Flowers, leaves, and boughs, abundant food supply ; 
Glad chants their guardian as abroad he goes. 
And waving breezes rock them to I'epose. 
The Baltimore inhabits North America, from Canada 
lb Mexico, and is even found as far south as Brazil, 
^ince the streets of our citie.s have hecii jdaiited with 
Ikat beautiful and stately tree, the Lombardy poplar, 
these birds are our constant visitors during the early 
Phrt of summer ; and, amid the noise and tumult of 
Caches, drays, wheelbarrows, and tbe diu ol the multi- 
tude, they are heard chanting “their native wood notes 
''■ild’;” sometimes, loo, within a few yards of an oyster- 
’hau, who stands bellowing, with the lungs of a Stentor, 
Under tbe shade of the same tree ; so much will habit 
•■econcile even birds to the roar of the city, and to sounds 
®ad noises, that, in other circumstances, would put a 
''’hole grove of them to flight. 
These birds are several years in receiving tlieir com- 
P'pte j)lumage. Sometimes the u'hole tail of a male 
individual iu spring is yellow, sometimes only the two 
