216 
ORCHAED ORIOLE. 
these birds pass through; having himself examined them both 
in spring, and towards the latter part of summer, and having, 
at the present time, in his possession thirty or forty individuals 
of this species, in almost every gradation of change. 
The Orchard Oriole, though partly a dependent on the indus- 
try of the farmer, is no sneaking pilferer, but an open and truly 
beneficent friend. To all those countless multitudes of destruc- 
tive bugs and caterpillars, that infest the fruit trees in spring 
and summer, preying on the leaves, blossoms and embryo of 
the fruit, he is a deadly enemy; devouring them wherever he 
can find them; and destroying, on an average, some hundreds 
of them every day; without offering the slightest injury to the 
fruit, however much it may stand in his way. I have witnessed 
instances where the entrance to his nest was more than half 
closed up by a cluster of apples, which he could have easily de- 
molished in half a minute; but, as if holding the property of his 
patron sacred, or considering it as a natural bulwark to his own, 
he slid out and in with the greatest gentleness and caution. I 
am not sufficiently conversant in entomology to particularize 
the different species of insects on which he feeds; but I have 
good reason for believing that they are almost altogether such 
as commit the greatest depredations on the fruits of the orchard; 
and, as he visits us at a time when his services are of the great- 
est value, and, like a faithful guardian, takes up his station where 
the enemy is most to be expected, he ought to be held in re- 
spectful esteem, and protected by every considerate husbandman. 
Nor is the gayety of his song one of his least recommendations. 
Being an exceedingly, active, sprightly and restless bird, he is 
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, but uttered with such rapidity and seeming confu- 
sion, that the ear is unable to follow them distinctly. Between 
these he has a single note, which is agreeable and interesting. 
Wherever he is protected, he shows his confidence and gratitude, 
by his numbers and familiarity. In the Botanic Garden of my 
worthy and scientific friends, the Messrs. Bartrams of Kingsess, 
