REASON. 
123 
Oriole whistled cheerily on the trees, in close proximity 
to a band of music which was playing at the time. 
Those who have observed the above-mentioned birds 
in their natural state, and are acquainted with their 
shyness, are not a little astonished,—not at their con¬ 
duct, hut at their intelligence. What an astonishing 
amount of cleverness to have caused such a revolu¬ 
tion of their usual habits! Each and all are aware 
exactly how far it is safe to go; they learn with reason, 
by observation, and from experience, that in the before- 
mentioned and similar places they have naught to fear 
at the hand of their principal enemy—man. Some, 
especially the common Sparrow, are thoroughly governed 
in their actions and habits by those of their entertainer— 
man. They watch him with unwearied attention; so 
that even while on the most intimate terms with him, 
they take good care of their own safety. Their intelligence 
becomes wonderfully developed by their contact with him. 
All the good-will and friendship which they entertain for 
their supporter is only apparent; they never trust him. 
An injury done to any individual of their species becomes 
traditional, and is never forgotten. Besides which, they 
always fear some fresh trick or deception, which renders 
them particularly distrustful of the simplest thing, and to 
regard it askance, until they have quite satisfied them¬ 
selves whether or no a trap is intended. No amount of 
scaring can keep them off where food is the question and 
crops are to be preserved from their depredations; the 
scare-crow and clapper are alike inefficient for the 
purpose. It is, however, equally useless to set traps for 
them, as they are sure to keep clear of them. All their 
acts take place only after the most mature deliberation, 
and they readily allow other birds to discover whether it is 
