PURPLE GRAKLE. 
59 
another, destroying a far worse enemy to the corn than itself, for every 
worm which it devours would else shortly cut the slender blade, and thereby 
destroy the plant when it would perhaps be too late to renew it by fresh 
seed. Every reflecting farmer knows this well, and refrains from disturbing 
the Grakle at this season. Were he as merciful at another time, it would 
prove his grateful recollection of the services thus rendered him. But man 
is too often forgetful of the benefit which he has received ; he permits his 
too commonly weak and selfish feelings to prevail over his reason, and no 
sooner does the corn become fit for his own use, than he vows and executes 
vengeance on all intruders. But to return to our Blackbird. 
The season of love has arrived. Each male having, by assiduity, valour, 
or good fortune, received the affectionate regards of a faithful mate, unites 
with her in seeking a safe and agreeable retreat. The lofty dead trees left 
standing in our newly cultivated fields, have many holes and cavities, some 
of which have been bored by Woodpeckers, and others caused by insects or 
decay. These are visited and examined in succession, until a choice being 
made, and a few dry weeds and feathers collected, the female deposits her 
eggs, which are from four to six in number, of a bluish tint, blotched and 
streaked with brown and black. She sits upon them while her valiant mate 
and guardian mounts to the summit of a broken branch, pours forth his rude 
notes, and cheers and watches her with the kindest and most unremitting 
care. I think I see him plunging through the air and overtaking the Red- 
headed or the Golden-winged Woodpecker, which, in search of their last 
year's nest, have imprudently alighted at the entrance of the already chosen 
and occupied hole. The conflict is but momentary ; the creeping bird is 
forced to yield, and after whirling round in the air as it defends itself, and 
very nearly comes to the ground, makes the best of its way off, Avell know- 
ing that there its opponent is more formidable than even in the air. 
This over, the Grakle roams in quest of food. Little heaps of grubs, with 
a few grains of corn, afford delicious repasts to himself and his mate. They 
thus share the labours of incubation, and see the time pass in eager and 
pleasant expectation. And now the emerging brood shake off the shell that 
so long enclosed them ; their tottering heads are already raised towmrd 
their mother, while she, with intense anxiety, dries and cherishes them. 
They grow up day after day. The hole becomes nearly filled with their 
increased bulk. The vigilance and industry of the parents also augment 
apace. I wish, good-natured reader, you would seek out such a sight : it 
would gladden your heart, for the rearing of such a family is worthy of 
your contemplation. 
It is with regret that I must turn from this picture. I have already told 
you that the Grakles are at least as fond of corn as the lords of the land are. 
Hark to the sound of rattles, and the hallooing of the farmers’ 
