392 
SINGING BIRDS. 
nambuco. Mr. Townsend met with them on the Rocky Moun- 
tains, and Audubon observed them breeding in Texas. In 
Oregon we found them nesting in the knot-holes of the oaks, 
and they did not appear to court the society of man, as we 
seldom saw them near the fort. In their haste to return to 
their natal climes, they sometimes expose themselves to fatal 
accidents from changeable and unfavorable weather. In the 
maritime parts of Massachusetts, and probably throughout the 
State, a few years ago after a rainy midsummer, many were 
found dead in their boxes, and they have since been far less 
numerous than formerly. 
This beautiful species, like many others of the family, seeks 
out the dwellings of man, associating itself equally with the 
master and the slave, the colonist and the aboriginal. To the 
Martin it is indifferent whether its mansion be carved and 
painted, or humbled into the hospitable shell of the calabash 
or gourd. Secure of an asylum for its mate and young, while 
under the protection of man it twitters forth its gratitude, and 
is everywhere welcomed to a home. So eager is it to claim 
this kind of protection that sometimes it ventures hostilities 
with the Bluebirds and domestic Pigeons, who are often forced 
to abandon their hereditary claims. Satisfied with the recep- 
tion and success, like so many contented and faithful domes- 
tics, it returns year after year to the same station. The 
services of the Martin in driving away Hawks and Crows from 
the premises he claims, are also important inducements for 
favor; he has even the courage to attack the redoubtable 
Kingbird, when its visits are too familiar near the nest. 
At the approaching dawn the merry Martin begins a lively 
twitter, which, continuing for half a minute, subsides until the 
twilight is fairly broken. To this prelude succeeds an ani- 
mated and incessant musical chattering, sufficient, near the 
dwelling, to awaken the soundest sleeper. His early vigils are 
scarcely exceeded by the domestic Cock; the industrious 
farmer hears the pleasing call to labor, and associates with this 
favorite bird the idea of an economical, cheerful, and useful 
guest. 
