BIRDS 
81 
out snatches of his song between his 
scolding and upbraiding, as you approach 
the vicinity of his nest, oscillating be¬ 
tween anxiety for his brood and solici¬ 
tude for his musical reputation. Some 
of the Sparrows still sing, and occasion¬ 
ally across the hot fields, from a tall tree 
in the edge of the forest, comes the rich 
note of the Scarlet Tanager. This tropi¬ 
cal-colored bird loves the hottest weather, 
and 1 hear him more in dog-days than 
at any other time. 
The remainder of the summer is the 
carnival of the Swallows and Flycatch¬ 
ers. Flies and insects, to any amount, 
are to be had for the catching; and the 
opportunity is well improved. See that 
sombre ashen-colored Pewee on yonder 
branch. A true sportsman he, who never 
takes his game at rest, but always on 
the wing. You vagrant Fly, you pur¬ 
blind Moth, beware how you come with¬ 
in his range! Observe his attitude. You 
might think him studying the atmosphere 
or the light, for he has an air of contem¬ 
plation and not of watchfulness. But 
step closer; observe the curious move- 
