OUR OWN BIRDS

AND

TREES, PLANTS, AND FLOWERS.

BY WILLIAM L. BAILY.

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Eagle, (frontispiece.)

OUR OWN BIRDS

A FAMILIAR NATURAL HISTORY

OF THE

BIRDS

OF

THE UNITED STATES.

BY

WILLIAM L. BAILY.

REVISED AND EDITED BY

EDWARD D. COPE,

OOKKKSPONDING SECRETARY OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIE5CB3

PHILADELPHIA :

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
1881.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

PREFACE.

THE object of this book is not to treat the subject
of Ornithology scientifically, but simply to present
in a concise and familiar manner to the youthful
reader, some interesting facts relating to the birds
of our own country. Various works have been writ-
ten and published upon this subject, containing,
probably, all that the student or amateur could wish
to know; but being both voluminous and expensive,
they are quite beyond the reach of children. They
also contain, in connection with a variety of interest-
ing matter, an array of scientific details, which to
most young persons are unintelligible, and which can
only be appreciated by the more advanced student.
We have, therefore, while adhering strictly to an
approved systematic arrangement of the Genera and
Species, endeavored to avoid, as much as possible,
the use of all terms and expressions which would in
any degree confuse the reader, or detract from the

1* (T)

VI PREFACE.

interest of the work, — hoping tnereoy to excite in
some a degree of love for a study, which they will
find to be at once entertaining and instructive, as
well as conducive to the health of body and mind.

We have confined our descriptions chiefly to the
Birds of the United States, but in a few instances
have introduced others for the purpose of better illus-
trating the subject, or increasing our information re-
specting the peculiarities of any tribe.

It is proper to observe that, while many of the
cuts in the following pages are original, others are
after Audubon.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.

Description of the Different Parts of Birds — Classifi-
cation : Raptores, Tnsessores, Scansores, Rasores,
Grallatores, Natatores — On the Flight of Birds —
Their Plumage, Instinct, Migration, Nests, Eggs,
Generic Divisions PAGE 11

CHAPTER II.

INSESSORES: PASSERES— OSCINES.

Description of the Bobolink by "Washington Irving"
— Cow-bird — Red-winged Blackbird — Baltimore
Oriole — Bullock's Oriole — Orchard Oriole — Meadow
Lark — Raven 30

(TO)

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VJii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER III.

INSESSORES : PASSERES— OSCINES.

The Crow — Common and Yellow-billed Magpie — Blue
Jay — The Canada, Florida, Ultamarine, Steller's,
Mexican, and Prince Maximilian Jay — Great Ameri-
can Shrike — Solitary, White-eyed, and Yellow-throat
Vireo — Cedar-bird — "White-breasted Nuthatch 48

CHAPTER IV.

INSESSORES: PASSERES— OSCINES.

A Stroll into the Woods of Carolina — Mocking Bird —
Wood Robin — Cat-bird — Robin — Golden-crowned
Thrush — Brown Thrush — Finches — Snow Bunting —
Song Sparrow — Indigo Bird — Nonpareil — House
Finch — Crossbill — Cardinal Grosbeak — Blue Gros-
beak— Scarlet Tanager 66

CHAPTER V.

INSESSORES: PASSERES, CLAMATORES, AND OSCINES.

The Fly-catcher — Pewee — King Bird — Great Crested
Fly-catcher — Wood Pewee — Wren — Great Carolina
and Winter Wren — Chick-a-de-de — Brown Creeper. . 99

CHAPTER VI.

INSESSORES: STNDACTTLL

Description of the Night Hawk — Whip-poor-will —
Chuck-wills-widow — Barn and Chimney Swallows —
Anecdote by Audubon — Purple Martin — Edible Swal-
low's Nest 112

CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER VII.

INSESSORES: STNDACTTLI AND ZYGODACTYLI.

Belted Kingfisher — California and Red-headed Wood-
peckers— A. Narrative of the California Woodpecker,
by "Kelley" — Ivory-billed, Golden-wing, Yellow-
bellied, and Downy Woodpeckers — Cuckoo — Parrots
— Anecdote of a Parrot, from Gosse's "Natural His-
tory of Birds" 12'

CHAPTER VIII.

INSESSORES: SYNDACTYLI.

Humming Birds 152

CHAPTER IX.

INSESSORES: ACCIP1TRES.

Walk to the Fields — Habits of Different Birds — Tur-
key Buzzard — Vulture — Condor — Eagle — Hawk —
Falcon — Kite — Hawk Owl — and the Owl 168

CHAPTER X.
INSESSORES: PULL ASTROS. CUKSORfiS: GALLING.

Pigeons — Great Flight, of Pigeons, by "Audubon" —
Turtle Dove — Wild Turkey — American and Gamble's
Partridge — Canada, Ruffled, and Pinnated Grouse
— Ptarmigan 189

X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XI.

CURSORES: ORALLY.

Rail — Whooping Crane — Plovers — Sand Pipers — Kil-
deer — Spotted Sand Pipers — Snipe — Woodcock —
White Ibis — Roseate Spoonbill — Night Heron —
Bittern — White Egret — Snowy Heron — American
Flamingo 206

CHAPTER XII.

NATATORES.

American Swan — Mallard Duck — Wood Duck — Can-
vass-back— Eider and Long-tail Duck — Hooded Mer-
ganser— Arctic Tern — Gulls — Petrel 234

OUR OWN BIRDS.

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION.

•

S-ESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF BIRDS — CLASSI-
FICATION: RAPTORES, INSESSORES, SCANSORES, RASORES,

GRALLATORKS, NATATORES — ON THE FLIGHT OF BIRDS

THEIR PLUMAGE, INSTINCT, MIGRATION, NESTS, EGGS, GE-
NERIC DIVISIONS.

IT may be said that there is no part of the Animal
Kingdom in which a more general interest is felt
than in Birds. The great variety of their forms, the
beauty, and often the gaudiness of their plumage,
their graceful motions, their peculiar habits and man-
ners, and, above all, their sweet musical voices, all
conspire to assign them a most prominent position in
Nature's parterre.

The birds of our own country, although less bril-
liantly attired than some others, must yet hold in our
affections the foremost place. What happy associa-
tions do we connect with them ! Who that listens to

(11)

12 INTRODUCTION.

the Cuckoo's voice, thinks not of his boyhood, when,
thoughtless of time's passing wing, he has stopped
by the wayside, and watched her building her nest?
Who that hears the song of the Blue-bird and Lin-
net, finds not in their sweet notes a tie that binds to
his heart some memory of the past? and is ready to
exclaim :

"And I can listen to thee yet

And lie upon the plain ;
And listen till I do beget
That golden time again."

Birds are ever around us : — their busy active life
displays itself wherever we turn our steps : — even at
those seasons when most species have retired to the
sunny south, a few still remain to cheer our hearts
and enliven our homes. But it is in the spring and
summer that we become most familiar with these
feathered tenants of the air. When the clouds of
winter, and its lowering storms, have rolled them-
selves behind the hills, — when the sun shines out
with renewed warmth and vigor, and the softened
breath of Heaven wafts from the flowery fields and
leafy woods a pleasing fragrance, the Blue-bird, the
Song Sparrow, and the Robin, with thousands of lovely
comrades, fresh from their winter haunts, come again
to cheer us with a welcome music. The Swallows
twitter gaily as they sail over the meadows; the
Wren, perched upon a neighboring twig, sings to his
mate while she turns from her accustomed. 'box the
remains of last year's nest; the busy little Warblers

DIFFERENT PARTS OF BIRDS. 13

and Fly-catchers, incessantly active, are plying their
bills voraciously among the insect life; the Hawk
•wheels his buoyant flight in graceful circles over-
head; and the Humming Bird darts like a meteor in
pursuit of some favorite flower. All these cast a
halo of attraction around the name of Spring, re-
minding us that " the time of the singing of birds

is come.'

Before entering fully upon our subject, there are
a few observations which it will be necessary for us
to make, which cannot but be of use to the young
student of Ornithology. How wonderfully is the
form of a bird adapted to the element in which it is
designed to move ! We perceive that the general
outline of its body is boat shaped, as being most
consistent with a rapid motion through the air. The
skeleton is admirably formed, both as to strength
and buoyancy, many of the larger bones being hol-
low, and filled with air instead of marrow. In the
development of the muscles, also, we see compact-
ness combined with prodigxOus force; and the struc-
ture of the wing at once commends itself to our
notice as a propelling, as well as a supporting power,
peculiarly suited <£> the wants of the bird; while the
whole body is clothed with a covering which, for
lightness, warmth, and beauty, could hardly be ex-
celled.

By reference to the adjoining cut, the following
description of the different parts of a bird, and the
names applied to some of the most prominent fea-
thers, will be understood :
2

14

INTRODUCTION

H G

F E D C B

A. Primary quills.

B. Secondary "

C. Spurious wing. •

D. Greater wing coverts.

E. Tertiary quills.

F. Throat.

G. Jugulum.
H. Bill.

I. Front.

J. Crown.

K. Scapular feathers.

L. Interscapular.

M. Tarsus, or leg.

N. Abdomen.

0. Rump.

P. Upper tail coverts.

Q. Lower " "

Birds have been by some naturalists divided into
six different orders, as follows :

1st. ACCIPTTRRS. (Preying). Eagles, Falcons, and Vultures.

2d. INSESSORES. (Perching). Sparrows, Warblers. Thrushes. Ac,

Zd. SCANSOHES. (Climbing). Woodpeckers and Parrots.

4th. GALIINJE. (Scraping). Pheasant) Partridge, <fec.

bth. GRALLJE. ( Wading). Heron, Crane, and Ibis,

Sth NATATORES ,' Swimnina). Ge»«e ao.1 D«i(*kfi

CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS. 15

Each order, it will be seen, possesses a peculiar
formation of the bill, wings, or feet; and it is by the
close observance of them, as well as of differences in
their plumage, that the naturalist is enabled to dis-
tinguish between the different species.*

* With fuller anatomical information upon the subject,
later zoologists have regarded the following arrangement as
most nearly representing Nature:

Of the class Aves there are three sub-classes, viz., Nata-
tores, (principally aquatic], Cursores, (principally terres-
trial), and lusessores, (principally arboreal).

The sub-class, NATATORES, embraces four orders, viz.,
the Pygopodes, (containing four families ; grebe, loon, pen-
guin, etc.); the Longipennes, (two families; petrel, gull,
etc.)j; the Steganopodes, (two families; pelican, etc.); .and
the Lamellirnstres, (two families: ducks, mergansers).

The sub-class, CURSORES, consists of three orders; first,
GrallcB, (containing six families, rails, herons, flamingo,
snipe, plover, etc.) ; second, Brevipennes, (two families,
ostrich, apteryx, etc.); third, Gallince, (four families,
grouse, pheasant, turkey, etc.)

The sub-class, INSKSSORKS, is a union of five orders.
First, Pullastrcp, (four families, brush turkey, dodo, pigeon,
etc.) ; second, Accipitres, (three families, the birds of prey) ;
third, Syndachyli, (seven families, hornbill, kingfisher,
humming bird, swift, whip-poor-will, etc.) ; fourth, Zygo-
dactyli, (seven families, trogons, cuckoos, "woodpeckers,
parrots, etc.); fifth, Passeres, (twenty families, sparrows,
thrushes, tanagers, crows, etc.) The third of these orders
is of uncertain limits: very good authorities refer it to the
fifth, (Passeres), forming from part of it a sub-order, (Stri-
sores). In the system here sketched, the Passeres comprise
two sub-orders, distinguished partly by the greater or less
perfection of the vocal organs. They are the Clamatore*

16 INTRODUCTION.

In the Accipitres, represented by the Eagles and
Falcons, the wings are long and powerful, and their
food consisting mostly of the flesh of small animals,
they are not only assisted in their pursuit of them
by a rapid and vigorous flight, but the form of the
feet and claws is such as to enable them to seize and
secure their prey, while the hooked beak is well
suited to the purpose of tearing it in pieces.

The Insessores embraces a great variety of birds
exhibiting a corresponding variety of form. A large
majority of them feed upon insects and their larvae
or eggs ; and while in all, the feet are well adapted
for perching, the bill and wings will be found to vary
much according to the habits of the bird. The
Swallows, Fly-catchers, Tyrants, etc., pursue their
food upon the wing ; they have therefore great powers
of flight, the mouth is wide, the bill broad at the
base, and sometimes armed at the extremity with a
slight hook. The Warblers, Thrushes, Wrens, and
many others, seek their food among the branches and
leaves of the trees, feeding mostly upon the worms,

and Oscines. Of the ten families belonging to the first (the
inferior), five are represented in the United States; of the
second, which exhibits the higher organization, the whole
ten families exist in our country.

This system was first published at Upsal in 1860, by
Wilhelm Lilljeborg.

In the present book, the liberty has been taken of alter-
ing the author's arrangement as far as possible, and the
classification proposed by Lilljeborg has been substituted.

E. D. C.

CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS. 17

the chrysalis, or the eggs. These are possessed of
extraordinary agility in hopping about from twig to
twig in search of food. Some birds of the order
Iricessores live on seeds and nuts ; such are furnished
•with a strong short beak, quite thick at the base;
the two mandibles sometimes working together like a
pair of scissors. To this class belong the Finches,
Sparrows, Crossbills, with many more.

The third division, Scansores, or Zygodactyli, com-
prises the family of Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, Parrots,
etc. In this division the arrangement of the toes is
peculiar, two before and two behind, which enables
the bird to grasp with a firmer hold the bark or the
branches, while climbing from one part of the tree
to another. To the Woodpecker this arrangement is
of peculiar service, almost its whole life being spent
in clambering over the rough surface of trunks and
branches of trees.

The case is much the same with the Parrots, al-
though their climbing propensities are confined more
to the smaller branches, in which they make good
use of their strong hooked beak, hanging on with it,
while taking a fresh foothold.

In the fourth division, Rasores, we will notice a
marked change, the whole bird differing widely in
form and appearance from the preceding; the body
becomes larger and less buoyant, the wings less am-
ple, and consequently the flight restricted, the bill
adapted to picking up seeds and berries or to the
cropping of tender herbage, while the feet are formed
for walking on the ground and the claws for scratch-
2* B

,

-4fc_

18 INTRODUCTION.

ing in the earth. By observing the contour of the
Turkey and the Pheasant, or of the common poultry
of our barn-yards, it will be seen that they are formed
for a terrestrial existence, and that their heavy bodies
and less capacious wings unfit them for much aerial
locomotion.

In the Grallae, or fifth division, a long bill, long
neck, long legs, and sometimes long toes, are the
prominent features. The Heron, the Crane, the Cur-
lew, and others of this class, often seek their food in
deep waters, into which they wade as far as the length
of their legs will permit, and, with the head resting
upon the shoulders, they stand silently, with their
eyes fixed upon the stream, until some unwary fish
comes within their reach, when they dart out their
long necks and catch it.

The Natatores are a large order, composed of
Ducks, Swans, and Geese; these live almost exclu-
sively in the water; they are web-footed, and swim
very beautifully, sailing about on the surface like a
miniature ship. The bill is of a peculiar formation,
being broad and somewhat boat-shaped, and rounded
at the extremity^ They feed upon the vegetation
found growing in, and on the margin of, the water,
also upon worms, larvae, etc. Although these birds
seem more adapted for a life divided between the
land and the water, yet they are possessed of great
powers of flight, and are often seen in considerable
numbers soaring aloft and progressing with a very
rapid motion. Their line of march is singular, one
generally taking the lead, and the rest following in

FLIGHT OF BIRDS. 19

single file, either in a straight line or in the form of
the letter V.

To the student of Ornithology, the flight of birds,
and the motion of the wings peculiar to the different
tribes, will form an interesting subject for observa-
tion. To the practised eye, this is quite a sure indi-
cation of the class to which the bird belongs.

By those who are familiar with the easy and unre-
strained flight of the Eagle, he is at once recognized.
Now he soars in graceful curves at an immense height,
as though intent on viewing the whole earth beneath
him, — then with un moving wing glides in a horizontal
course until lost in the deep blue vault of Heaven.
The motions of the Turkey Vulture are also of a most
singular and interesting character. These birds may
often be seen sailing overhead for hours together,
moving in curves or gently undulating lines, rising
and falling at pleasure, with but little apparent mo-
tion of the wings, and sometimes ascending in easy
circles beyond the reach of vision.

The Woodpecker describes, in its course through
the air, a waving line, which is in consequence of
the wings being alternately closed and expanded at
intervals during flight. The Sparrows also perform
a zigzag course, rising and falling first to the one side
and then to the other. In the Fly-catchers the mo-
tion of the wings is rapid and steady; sometimes in
long-continued flight their course is slightly undula-
ting. The Humming Bird darts with the swiftness
of an arrow, and the vibrations of its wings are so
incessant as to render them almost invisible; while

20 INTRODUCTION.

the Heron and the Crane wheel their heavy bodies
through the air with a slow but steady flapping of a
pair of ample, curving wings, their heads drawn in
toward the body, and their long legs following like a
rudder.

It is very evident that the shape of the wings, and
the arrangement and texture of the feathers com-
posing them, must have a material effect upon the
flight of birds. A long, pointed, flat wing, with stiff
and close-set primaries, is undoubtedly best adapted
to rapidity of motion. This will be most observable
in the Swallow, the Humming Bird, and the Night
Hawk, which of all birds are the most remarkable
for the nimbleness and agility of their movements.
How beautifully does the Swallow skim over the
meadows and lakes, or mount aloft in the air, now
wheeling to the one side and then darting like an
arrow to the other ! And how graceful are the antics
of the Night Hawk as he pitches his aerial summer-
sets, or gambols with matchless ease across the sky !

It will be observed that the wings of birds of rapid
flight are seldom very concave beneath ; on the con-
trary, they are generally quite flat when extended.
This flatness, although it contributes to the velocity
of motion as the bird sweeps along, destroys to a
great extent the power of direct ascent. Where the
wing is of moderate length and concave, as in the
Owl, and composed of loose soft feathers, the flight
is buoyant and noiseless, and quite different from that
of the Falcon, the feathers being too soft and yield-
ing to produce any whistling or rushing noise. A

WINGS AND THEIR APPENDAGES. 21

short, rounded, concave wing, is mostly peculiar to
birds of terrestrial habits, as it will at once be seen
that this form is least adapted to extensive progress
through the air. The wings of the Partridge and
Pheasant are of this shape.

Appendages of various kinds arc occasionally at-
tached to the wings of birds: — the direct uses of
these cannot readily be ascertained. We must there-
fore conclude that they were designed rather as or-
naments than to minister to the comfort or conveni-
ence of the bird. In the Leona Night Jar, a bird
allied to the Night Hawk, and a native of Africa,
from the centre of the upper wing coverts issues a
slender flowing shaft about twenty inches in length,
and tipped for about five inches with a broad web.
In some the scapularies are elongated into delicate
and graceful plumes, as in the Heron and Crane.

While, as has been shown, most birds possess the
power of flight in a greater or less degree, yet there
are a few species to which it has been wholly denied.
This is in consequence of two separate peculiarities
in the development of those organs which are so
nicely adapted to their aerial habits. In the Ostrich
and Emu we see merely the rudiment of a wing, des-
titute of the ordinary bony and muscular structure;
and in the Penguin and Auk, the wing, although
possessed of considerable muscular power, is con-
verted into an organ of aquatic progression, and is
covered with close, stiff, and scale-like feathers.

The tail also exerts considerable influence in guiding
the motions of the bird through the air, acting as a

LIO

22 INTRODUCTION.

rudder to direct its course, and it also assists greatly
in preserving a proper equilibrium, both in motion
and while at rest. The form of the tail differs widely
in different species; perhaps there is no other part
of its plumage in which so great a diversity exists,
and often the male and female are so unlike in this
respect as scarcely to be recognized as being different
sexes of the same bird.

The structure of a simple feather is in itself a won-
der, — its unique form, its soft and delicate texture,
its perfect adaptation to the use for which it was de-
signed,— the amazing difference which exists between
those of different birds, from the stout quill of the
Buzzard's wing to the shining spangle from the Hum-
ming Bird's throat, the plain but exquisite shadings
and markings of the one contrasted with the gaudy
and glittering hues of the other, display the infinite
wisdom and the matchless skill of Him who is

"Wondrous alike in all he tries!"

The male bird is mostly clothed in more brilliant
plumage than his mate, and the young of both sexes
generally assume the garb of the female until the
following spring. Thus it appears* that color not
only serves the purpose of beauty, but also of pro-
tection, for while the gay adornment of the male
attracts the attention and makes him a more certain
mark for the sportsman, the female to whom is com-
mitted the care of the young is secured from danger
by her unobtrusive dress.

The Partridge and Woodcock, which mostly live

COLOR A PROTECTION. 23

upon the ground, are secreted from the searching eye
of the Hawk and the Kite by their grey speckled
plumage, which resembles the ground on which they
move. The tawny feathers of the Whip-poor-will
also afford it a means of protection, even from man,
as it is extremely difficult to distinguish it from the
log upon which it may be crouching, almost within
our reach. The Ptarmigan, which inhabits very cold
northern climates, in summer has its plumage marked
with stripes of black or brown, which colors more
nearly approach to those of the rocks and barrer
heaths upon which it lives ; but, did these hues re
main during the winter, when the snow covers ever}
object with a mantle of white, the place of its con-
cealment would be readily discovered, and it would
fall an easy prey to the Snowy Owl or the Gyr Fal-
con. What then is the provision of Nature to guard
against this danger? As the cold season advances,
the feathers, by some unknown process, gradually
become white, and the bird burrows fearlessly in the
snow, in search of berries and leaves, comparatively
secure from the eye of its enemy.

Another object besides safety is gained from the
concealment afforded by the peculiar colors and
markings of the plumage ; the support of the bird
being sometimes dependent upon it. Thus the Crane
and the Heron, and many other water birds, which
depend upon their dexterity as fishers for their sup-
ply of food, are clothed with feathers partly of white
and partly of a bluish slate color, and the fish as they
glide beneath the water recognize but little difference

24 INTRODUCTION.

between the plumage of their foe and the blue hea-
ven above them studded with clouds, and passing on
fearlessly, they fall an easy prey to his voracious ap-
petite, while did the bird present a darker image
against the sky, it would produce alarm, and the fish
would hurry off to the protection of some overhang-
ing bank, or dive into the depths below.

The instincts of birds are in many respects very
remarkable. What sagacity do they display in dis-
cerning the proper time for performing their migra-
tions ! With what precision do they direct theii
course through the darkness of night ! W7ith what
skill do they construct their nests ! And with what
tender affection do they provide for the wants and
protection of their young ! It has been observed of
the House Wren and ma*ny other birds, that the same
pair will return to the same spot for many successive
seasons: that these little creatures should be able to
designate in a journey of at least one thousand miles
the precise spot where they have nestled the year be-
fore, shows a degree of intelligence not always found
even in man.

The migration of birds is by no means the least
interesting part of their history. How often do we
observe when looking out upon some bright morning
of spring, that while the air seems laden with fresh
odors, it also bears upon its bosom a soft aerial music,
a sweet incessant warble, the song of thousands of
merry little travellers fresh from the distant south !
Each day for weeks in succession seems to bring new
arrivals, until at last we welcome the tardy little

MIGRATION OP BIRDS. 25

Humming Bird, which, although swift of wing, is
often among the last in the train.

Birds frequently perform their migrations at night,
halting at convenient distances, sometimes spending
many days in a congenial spot, and only leaving it
as the advance of the season warns them of the ne-
cessity of completing their journey. The rapidity
with which some species travel through the air on
these occasions, has been the subject of much specu-
lation. It is a well-ascertained fact that their swift-
ness is so great as far to surpass any speed which it
is in the power of man to produce, and has been
known sometimes to be equivalent to one hundred
miles an hour. The males generally arrive a few
days in advance of the females, as though for the
purpose of reconnoitering and finding out suitable
places to locate their nests; and the coming of the
females is a signal for the choosing of mates, and
making general preparations for the accommodation
of a family.

That every distinct species constructs a nest of
some peculiar shape, and of materials best adapted
to its own wants, is a circumstance worthy of notice.
The unique little structure built by the Humming
Bird from the finest and most delicate moss, and lined
with the soft down from different plants, while it is
well calculated for the accommodation of its own tiny
progeny, would hardly answer the wants of any of its
neighbors. The Eagle rears her young upon some
bare and inaccessible crag, where, with a heap of sticks
and moss for a nest, she broods over them in solitude.
3

26 INTRO DUCTION.

The Oriole weaves a neat little bag of bark, fine grass
and wool, often strengthened with pieces of string or
horse-hair, and hangs it from the twigs of some waving
bough, which rocks to and fro in the wind, and there
in the midst of a storm which would demolish a struc-
ture of greater weight and firmness, she sits at her
ease, under the protection of Him, " without whose
notice not a sparrow falleth to the ground." The
White-eyed Vireo, whose nest is in the shape of an
inverted cone, suspends it from the circling stems of
a running vine. The Whip-poor-will and the Chuck-
wills-widow merely scrape away the leaves near some
prostrate log, or among the thick undergrowth of the
forest, and lay their eggs upon the bare ground ; but
so nearly does their color resemble that of the leaves
and earth, that it is almost impossible to discover
them unless their concealment is betrayed by the
flight of the bird.

The number of eggs deposited in a nest varies
greatly. The Whip-poor-will lays two, the Partridge
from fifteen to twenty-four. The color also varies
much in the different species'; some are of a deep
and beautiful blue, others as white as snow; some
are marked with irregular blotches near the great
end, or spotted thickly all over with brown on a yel-
lowish or light olive-colored ground ; but perhaps
the most common color is one uniform speckled mix-
ture of various shades of gray. Mostly but one
brood is raised in a season, but frequently two, and
with those birds \rhich arrive early sometimes three.

INSTINCT OP BIRDS. 27

Owe of the most remarkable instincts of birds is
displayed in their keen sense of approaching danger,
and in the means which they adopt to avoid it. So
sagacious are the birds of some species, that they
will always keep at a safe distance from the gun of
the sportsman, although they may never have had
any experience of the danger of coming within range
of his shot. This is particularly the case with the
Crow; so cautious are they that when a flock is com-
mitting depredations upon the farmer's corn-stacks,
they keep a sentinal posted in some elevated position
to give notice of the approach of any suspicious look-
ing individual. Young Ducks, almost as soon as they
have left the shell, will seek the water, often to the
amazement of the hen who has adopted them ; here
they will swim about and catch gnats and flies ; but
a wasp they will avoid, as its sting would be inju-
rious. Chickens will show no signs of fear at the
approach of a strange turkey or goose ; but if a hawk
hovers in the distance, they will become agitated and
seek shelter. Some birds, if the vicinity of their
nests is approached, will immediately fly to the ground
before the intruder, and dropping their wings as
though wounded, will limp about in great apparent
distress ; by this means they often deceive those who
are ignorant of their habits, and gradually lead them
away from the spot, when their assumed lameness
suddenly disappears, and they fly off as nimbly as
ever.

In order to facilitate the study of Ornithology, the

28 INTRODUCTION.

six great orders of birds have been divided by natu-
ralists into groups or families called genera, to each,
of which a name has been applied often indicative
of some peculiarity in the appearance or habits of
the bird, and mostly expressed in Latin. Thus, to
the Sparrow family has been applied the generic term
of FringiUida&) and to the Humming Birds that of
TrocJiilidx. These families are again separated into
sub-genera, according to certain differences in the for-
mation of the bill, feet, wings, etc. To each of these
divisions a name is given depending much upon the
fancy of the naturalist, and is frequently bestowed
in honor of some great patron of science. The sub-
genera often consist of many species, and an appro-
priate Latin specific name is added to each, by which
it may be distinguished from all others. Thus, the
common House Wren of Europe is called Troglodytes
Domestica — the former being its family or generic,
and the latter its individual or specific title. Thus
to every little warbler that sings its matin song be-
neath our windows, science has given a name as sig-
nificant as John Smith or John Jones, the only differ-
ence being that the part of it which designates his
family is mentioned first.

By a careful attention to the foregoing remarks,
and by frequent observation of the habits of birds in
their accustomed haunts, the young student may soon
become acquainted with the appearance and manners
of most of our native species, and with the aid of a
little study will be able to recognize in each a fami

PLEASURES OF THE STUDY.

29

liar friend, who is ever ready to minister to his pleas-
ure, either by cheering his solitary hours with a
lively song, or by abstracting his thoughts from the
artificial world about him, and turning them to the
contemplation of the wonderful works of an All-wise

80 INSESSORES.

CHAPTER II.

INSESSORES : PASSERES— OSCINES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BOBOLINK BY "WASHINGTON IRVINC»"»-»
COW-BIRD — RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD — BALTIMORE ORIOLK
— BULLOCK'S ORIOLE — ORCHARD ORIOLE — MEADOW LARK
— RAVEN.

THERE are comparatively few persons who are
aware of the pleasure that is to be derived from a
morning ramble in the woods, for the purpose of ob-
serving the habits of the countless feathered beings
which abound on every hand. There is a real enjoy-
ment in watching their incessant activity, the beauty
and singular ease of their motions : to trace the gaudy
colors in which some are clothed, and the plainer
though no less pleasing tints of others ; to examine
the beautiful and delicate structure of their nest;
and, above all, to listen to the sweet and mellow ca-
dences of their many-toned voices. A few hours
thus spent can hardly have any other than a happy
effect. There is one thing which cannot fail to strike
us as a prominent feature among Birds, that is, va-
riety — not only in their plumage and song, but in
their habits : a variety which ends only with the spe-
cies, each seeming to possess a distinct character of
its own.

Passing from the Finches we come to the Black-

THE BOBOLINK.

31

birds and American Orioles, foremost among which
is the Bobolink, or Reed-bird or Rice-bird, that bright,
active little bird which comes to us in the spring in
a beautiful coat of black and white, sings sweetly for
a few short weeks,
then changing his
suit for one of (iusky
grey, commences a
process of gormandi-
zing which soon fits
him for the gun of
the sportsman and the
epicure's table.

The following beau-
tiful description of
this bird is from the
pen of Washington
Irving :

" The happiest bird
of our spring, and one

that rivals the Euro- Bobolink, or Reed-bird.

pean lark in my estimation, is the Boblincon or Bob-
link, as he is called. He arrives at that choice
period of our year which, in this latitude, answers
to the description of the month of May, so often
given by the poets. With us it begins about the
middle of May, and lasts until nearly the middle of
June. Earlier than this, winter is apt to return on
its traces, and to blight the opening beauties of the
year ; later than this begin the parching and panting
and dissolving heats of summer. But in this genial

32 INSESSORESo

interval Nature is in all her freshness and fragrance ;
' the rains are over and gone, the flowers appear upon
the earth, the time of the singing of birds is come,
and the voice of the turtle is heard in the land/
The trees are now in their fullest foliage and bright-
est verdure ; the woods are gay with the clustered
flowers of the laurel ; the air is perfumed by the
sweet-brier and the wild rose ; the meadows are ena-
melled with clover blossoms ; while the young apple,
the peach, and the plum begin to swell, and the
cherry to glow among the green leaves.

" This is the chosen season of revelry of the Bob-
link. He comes amid the pomp and fragrance of
the season ; his life seems all sensibility and enjoy-
ment, all song and sunshine. He is to be found in
the soft bosoms of the freshest and sweetest mead-
ows, and is most in song when the clover is in blos-
som. He perches on the topmost twig of a tree, or
on some long, flaunting weed, and as he rises and sinks
with the breeze, pours forth a succession of rich tink-
ling notes, crowding one upon another like the out-
pouring melody of the Skylark, and possessing the
same rapturous character. Sometimes he pitches
from the summit of a tree, begins his song as soon
as he gets upon the wing, and flutters tremulously
down to the earth, as if overcome with ecstasy at his
own music. Sometimes he is in pursuit of his par-
amour, always in full song, as if he would win hei
by his melody, and always with the same appearance
of intoxication and delight.

" Of all the birds of our groves and meadows, the

THE BOBOLINK. 33

Boblink was the envy of my boyhood. He crossed
my path in the sweetest weather and the sweetest
season of the year, when all Nature called to the
fields, and the rural feeling throbbed in every bosom,
but when I, luckless urchin ! was doomed to be mewed
up during the livelong day in that purgatory of boy-
hood, a school-room. It seemed as if the little varlet
mocked at me as he flew by in full song, and sought
to taunt me with his happier lot. Oh, how I envied
him ! No lessons, no task, no hateful school; nothing
but holiday, frolic, green fields, and fine weather. Had
I been then more versed in poetry, I might have ad-
dressed him in the words of Logan to the Cuckoo :

' Sweet bird ! thy bower is ever green,

Thy sky is ever clear;
Thou hast no sorrow in thy note,
No winter in thy year.

«0h! could I fly, I'd fly with thee,

We'd make, on joyful wing,
Our annual visit round the globe,
Companions of the spring.'

" Further observation and experience have given me
a different idea of this little feathered voluptuary,
which I will venture to impart for the benefit of my
school-boy readers, who may regard him with the
same unqualified envy and admiration which I once
indulged. I have shown him only as I saw him at
first, in what I may call the poetic part of his career,
when he in a manner devoted himself to elegant pur-
suits and enjoyments, and was a bird of music, and

o

34 INSESSORES.

song, and taste, and sensibility, and refinement. While
this lasted he was sacred from injury; the very school-
boy would not fling a stone at him, and the merest
rustic would pause to listen to his strain. But mark
the difference. As the year advances, as the clover
blossoms disappear, and the spring fades into sum-
mer, he gradually gives up his elegant tastes and
habits, doffs his poetical suit of black, assumes a rus-
set, dusky garb, and sinks to the gross enjoyment of
common vulgar birds. His notes no longer vibrate
on the ear ; he is stuffing himself with the seeds of
the tall weeds, on which he lately swung and chaunted
so melodiously. He has become a ' bon vivant/ a
( gourmand ;' with him now there is nothing like the
'joys of the table/ In a little while he grows tired
of plain, homely fare, and is off on a gastronomical
tour in quest of foreign luxuries. We next hear of
him, with myriads of his kind, banqueting among
the reeds of the Delaware, and grown corpulent with
good feeding. He has changed his name in travel-
ing; Boblincon no more, he is the Reed-bird now,
the much-sough t-for titbit of Pennsylvania epicures,
the rival in unlucky fame of the ortolan ! Wherever
he goes, pop ! pop ! pop ! every rusty firelock in the
country is blazing away. He sees his companions
falling by thousands around him.

" Does he take warning and reform ? Alas, not
he ! Incorrigible epicure ! again he wings his flight.
The rice-swamps of the South invite him. He gorges
himself among them almost to bursting; he can scarcely
fly for corpulency. He has once more changed his

THE BOBOLINK — THE COW-BIRD. 35

name, and is now the famous Rice-bird of the Caro-
linas.

"Last stage of his career, behold him spitted
with dozens of his corpulent companions, and served
up a vaunted dish on the table of some Southern
gastronome.

" Such is the story of the Boblink : once spiritual,
musical, admired, the joy of the meadows, and the
favorite bird of spring ; finally a gross little sensual-
ist, who expiates his sensuality in the larder. His
story contains a moral worthy the attention of all
little birds and little boys, warning them to keep to
those refined and intellectual pursuits which raised
him to so high a pitch of popularity during the early
part of his career; but to eschew all tendency to that
gross and dissipated indulgence which brought this
mistaken little bird to an untimely end."

The Bobolink and the Cow-bird form a small
group which connects the Finches with the true
Blackbirds ; the shape of the bill showing their al-
liance with the former, while the feet, wings, and
other prominent characteristics, establish their posi-
tion with the latter. The Meadow Lark and Hang-
ing-birds (incorrectly called Orioles) belong also to
this family, which differs very little from the Star-
ling group of the Old World.

The Cow-bird is one of those curiosities of Nature
for whose singular habits it is difficult to account.
Like the Cuckoo of Europe, the female builds no
nest of her own, but confides the care of her young
to various small birds, by watching their absence

86 INSESSORES.

i

from home, and then quietly dropping an egg into
their nests. Half-a-dozen of these eggs may be found
sometimes in a single morning's walk, by examining the
newly made nests of the Yellow-poll Warbler, White-
eyed Vireo, Blue-grey Fly-catcher, Golden-crowned
Thrush, and Maryland Yellow-throat ; the latter more
especially seeming to be the favorite recipient of this
unwelcome gift. It is a fact worthy of remark, that,
although the Cow-bird is much larger than most of
these birds, yet its egg is quite small, and approaches
very near to the size of those in the nest where it is
laid ; it also, in almost every case, is hatched several
days in advance of the others, thus securing to the
young Cow-bird the exclusive care of its foster-mother.
Her own eggs soon becoming worthless for want of
attention, are tossed from the nest to make room for
the fast-growing intruder, toward which she is as
devoted in her attentions as though it was her own
progeny.

As these birds do not pair, their life must neces-
sarily be very different from that of others. While
all around them are in the settled enjoyment of their
mated companionship, the Cow-birds are roaming
about the country in small companies, mingling pro-
miscuously with each other, and seeming to have no
particular preference for any stated locality. Early
in the autumn the young birds instinctively join the
old ones, when they assemble in flocks of immense
size, and may be seen by the thousands and tens of
thousands among the reeds along the river banks,

THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 37

and in the salt marshes.* After this they take their
departure for the south in company with the Red-
winged Blackbirds, assisting them in their autumnal
depredations among the corn and rice.

There are some objects in the Creation whose
utility we are sometimes inclined to question. How
often, for instance, do we hear people wondering
what mosquitoes were ever made for. It is true they
are troublesome little pests, but they undoubtedly
have their use, whether that use has yet been disco-
vered or not. Thus it was for many years with the
poor despised and hated Red-winged Blackbirds,
which were looked upon by our farmers as little short
of a scourge. Means of various kinds were devised
to prevent their approach, but to little or no purpose,
and the entire extermination of the race was looked
upon as the only remedy for the evil ; consequently
the havoc which the murderous gun made upon their
ranks was great. But how is it now ? It has been
observed that the amount of good they do silently in
the spring more than compensates for the mischief
they do in the autumn. If a flock of birds alights
upon a field of standing corn, the inference is that
they have come to steal; while if the same flock
should settle upon a piece of fresh-ploughed ground
where there is no crop to suffer from their depreda-
tions, but little notice is taken of it, when perhaps
they may be rendering us signal service. So for
years the poor Red-wings have suffered from the un

* Letter from Dr. T. M. Brewer, of Boston, to J. J. Au<
dubon.

4

88 INSESSORES.

just conclusions which we had drawn in reference to
their real merits.

Every farmer knows that fresh spring ploughing
turns up an army of grubs, worms, and the larvae of
myriads of insects, which, if left to themselves, would
be sufficient to destroy a large portion of the crop
which the ground would produce. But just at this
time come the immense flocks of Red-wings and
Purple Grakles, which have been equally objects of
the farmer's aversion, and as they subsist almost ex-
clusively upon this kind of food, they resort at once
to the open fields and cultivated grounds, where they
fully compensate the farmer for the few ears of corn
which they destroy in the autumn.

Red-winged Blackbird.

The Red-winged Blackbird generally selects for
a breeding place a low marshy piece of ground, oc-
casionally interspersed with clumps of alder and
other bushes, among which or in a tall tussuck of

THE RED -WINGED BLACKBIRD. 39

grass he builds his nest, composed of a mass of dry
weeds or some other material for an exterior, and
lined with fine grass or horse-hair. The female lays
from four to six eggs of a light blue color, slightly
spotted with brown. It is after the second brood is
fully fledged that these birds congregate in such vast
numbers, and commence their depredations upon the
growing corn, which, being still young and tender,
attracts them in such numbers as to darken the air
and fairly to blacken the spot upon which they settle.
At such times scare-crows avail little to protect the
grain, and even the report of a gun will but drive
them from one part of the field to another. This,
however, does not continue long ; as the corn advances
toward maturity, it soon becomes too hard for their
tastes, and away they fly to try their chance among
the rice-fields of the South. The plumage of the
male bird is very beautiful, and one of these yast
flocks in their early spring dress presents a very
grand and imposing appearance ; their bodies of jetty
black, with a broad patch of bright vermilion on each
shoulder, which sparkles in the sun's rays with pleas-
ing effect.

It is very interesting, in studying the habits of
birds, to notice the peculiar methods adopted by the
different species in the construction of their nests.
While we see that some, with careless ease, build a
fragile tenement upon the ground, others, with the
skill of an architect, put together a most elaborate
structure, such as would almost defy art to imitate.
The bird we are now about to introduce is in this re-

40 INSESSORES.

spect a very expert mechanic, weaving for itself a
beautiful pensile nest of the most delicate texture,
more or less perfectly wrought according to the skill
of the workman, as it is sometimes observed that the
older birds are the best builders.

Baltimore Oriole.

The Baltimore Oriole, or Hanging-bird, as it ia
sometimes called, is one of the most prominent of
our summer visitors, both for its brilliant coloring
and its lively and cheering song. Rare are the farm-
houses where its black and orange-colored plumage
may not be seen as it moves among the surrounding
foliage, and where itg voice is not heard welcoming
the dawn. Its notes are few and simple, but their
peculiar sweetness and harmony cannot fail to charm
the ear.

In Louisiana, where the climate is often extremely
warm, the Oriole suspends its nest from the north
Bide of the tree, where it will be most sheltered from

THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 41

the sun, using in its construction the long fibres of
the Spanish moss which it attaches at both ends to
the forks in a branch, forming a number of loops
about seven inches in length. When a sufficient
number of these loops are made, it commences weav-
ing in an opposite direction with the same material
until it has produced a strong but open and airy
pouch or bag, rounded at the bottom, and larger than
at the top, where an aperture is left just large enough
to admit of the easy passage of the birds in and out.
There is no lining to this nest generally, as it is not
required for warmth. In New York and Pennsyl-
vania, where the atmosphere is cooler, and where
there is a frequent occurrence of cold rains, it selects
warmer materials, such as cotton yarns, hemp, tow,
hair, wool, pieces of twine, or strings of any kind;
these it uses in the same manner as its southern
neighbor, but the texture of the nest, when com-
plete, is firmer, more compact, and is furnished with
a warm lining of cow's hair or wool. It is generally
suspended upon the south side of the tree, where,
while it can be well protected by the overhanging
leaves from drenching rains, it is still open to the
rays of the sun. The long, pendent boughs of the
willow are a favorite resort of the Oriole, and here
the female may be seen sitting quietly and at her
ease with her nest flying in the wind in the midst
of a violent storm ; but so firmly is her house secured,
that unless the branch from which it hangs should
be torn from the tree, she need fear no harm.

There are two other species of Hanging-bird or
4*

42 INSESSORES.

American Orioles in the United States. Bullock's
Oriole, which enjoys a wide range upon the Pacific
coast, from California northward to the Columbia
river, seems to fill the same position as that occupied
to the eastward by the Baltimore Oriole, which it
very much resembles in appearance as well as in its
habits.

The Orchard Oriole is a familiar occupant of our
orchards and gardens in summer, where it renders
signal service by ridding the fruit trees of hosts of
worms and noxious insects and their larvae. It also
suspends its neatly formed nest from the forks of
some outspreading branch. It is not built in the
pouch-like form we have before described, but looks
more like a suspended cup, of insufficient capacity
to conceal the body of the bird while sitting. It is
a plainly colored bird ; in the male the breast and
whole lower parts, together with the rump, being of
a rich chestnut-brown, and the remainder of the plu-
mage black. The female is plain olive on the upper
parts, and a dingy yellow below.

In point of nest-building we will now notice a
bird of very different character; this is the Meadow
Lark, a plain and humble species, seldom indulging
in any wandering desires, not being gifted with any
great powers of flight; its body being heavy and its
wings short, and altogether unfitted for rapid motion.
When it first rises from the ground, it flutters like a
young bird until it rises fifteen or twenty feet in the
air, when it pursues a bee-line course, with alternate
sailings, and flutters until ready to alight, which is

THE MEADOW LARK.

43

not often at any great distance, except during its
migrations. Its nest is a loose structure composed
of grass, fibrous roots, etc., and is placed at the base
of a tuft of weeds or grass, in a small cavity scooped

Meadow Lark.

out of the earth ; it is partially concealed from view
by being covered with leaves and by the blades of
growing grass drawn around it. The Meadow Lark
justly merits a prominent place among our song birds
for th3 sweetness and plaintive melody of its few sim-
ple notes, with which, in company with the Wood
Thrush it is among the first to welcome the dawn.
The male and female are quite similar in their ap-
pearance, being mottled with brown and fawn color
upon the head, back, and wings, while the chin and

44

IN SES SORES.

breast are bright yellow; the throat being crossed
•with a broad crescent -shaped band of velvety
black.

We must now leave these " creatures of music and
of song," and listen for a while to the cawings of a
ruder class, such as the Raven, Crow, Magpie, and
Jay, among which, however, we shall find much to
interest and instruct us.

Of the Crow family the Raven is the most promi-
nent on account of its size, as well as its many sin-
gular qualities. From very early ages it has been
regarded with reverence and awe by the superstitious,
as being possessed of something unearthly in its

nature; in heathen
countries, especially,
it has been looked
upon by both priests
and people as a fore-
teller of events. In
some of the Indian
tribes of North Ame-
rica, their priests
wear, as a mark of
their sacred profes-
sion, two or three Ra-
ven skins affixed to
the girdle behind the
back, in such a man-
ner that the tails
Raven, stick out horizontal-

ly from tne body. They have also a split Raven skin

THE RAVEN. 45

on the head, so fastened as to let the beak project
from the forehead.*

The American Raven is a scarce bird in some dis-
tricts, it being seldom seen, and consequently its
character but little known. The European species is
more abundant, and is often a very familiar bird.
They are said to live to a great age, and the same
pair have been known to resort to one spot to build
for many successive years.

It is remarkable for having been the first living
creature that left the ark after the flood ; and as an
instance of the great powers of wing of which it is
possessed, we read that while the Dove which was
afterward released could find no rest for the sole of
her foot, and returned again to the ark, the Raven
went to and fro upon the face of the earth until the
waters were dried up.

Young Ravens may be tamed so as to become very
amusing pets, but require almost constant watching,
as they are mischievous and greatly addicted to thiev-
ing. A gentleman's butler having missed a number
of silver spoons and other articles, without a suspi-
cion as to who might be the thief, at last discovered
a tame Raven with one in his mouth, and after fol-
lowing him to his hiding-place, found more than a
dozen.*}* They are, however, gifted with some good
Dualities, being often possessed with a marked affec-
tion toward other animals, and also toward those with
whom they have become familiar. A curious instance
of attachment in a Raven is related as having occurred

* Stanley's " Familiar History of Birds." f Ibid.

46 INSESSORES.

some years ago, at the Red Lion Inn, Hungerford,
England. A gentleman who lodged there coming
into the yard with his chaise, accidentally ran over
and bruised the leg of a favorite Newfoundland dog,
and while the injury was being examined, Ralph, the
Raven, looked on also, and was evidently making his
remarks on what was doing; for the minute the dog
was tied up under the manger with the horse, Ralph
not only visited him, but brought him bones and
showed him many other attentions. The gentleman
making some remarks to the ostler on the subject, he
was informed that the bird had been brought up with
a dog, and that the affection between them was mu-
tual, and all the neighborhood had been witnesses to
the many acts of kindness performed the one to the
other. The dog in course of time had the misfortune
to break his leg, and during the long period of his
confinement the Raven waited on him constantly,
carried him his provisions, and scarcely ever left him
alone. One night, by accident, the stable door had
been shut, and Ralph had been deprived of his
friend's company all night ; but the ostler found, in
the morning, the door so picked away, that had it
not been opened, in another hour Ralph would have
made his own entrance.*

We will not say that it was because of this natu-
ral propensity of the Raven to form close and warm
attachments, that it was chosen by the Almighty to
carry food to the Prophet Elijah, during his solitary

* Stanley's "Familiar History of Birds."

THE RAVEN. 47

sojourn by the brook Cherith, but the coincidence is
certainly curious and interesting.

" In the United States the Eaven is in some meas-
ure a migratory bird, individuals retiring to the ex-
treme south during severe winters, but returning
toward the Middle, "Western, and Northern Districts
at the first indications of milder weather. A few
are known to breed in the mountainous portions of
South Carolina, but instances of this kind are rare,
and are occasioned merely by the security afforded
by inaccessible precipices, in which they may rear
their young. Their usual places of resort are the
mountains, the abrupt banks of rivers, the rocky
shores of lakes, and the cliffs of thinly peopled or
deserted islands. It is in such places that these birds
must be watched and examined, before one can judge
of their natural habits, as manifested amid their free-
dom from the dread of their most dangerous enemy,
the lord of creation.

" The flight of the Eaven is powerful, even, and
at certain periods greatly protracted. During calm
and fair weather it often ascends to an immense height,
sailing there for hours at a time ; and although it
cannot be called swift, it propels itself with sufficient
power to enable it to contend with different species
of Hawks, and even with Eagles when attacked by
them. It manages to guide its course through the
thickest fogs of the countries of the north, and is
able to travel over immense tracts of land or water
without rest."*

* Audubon.

48 INSESSORES.

CHAPTER III.

INSESSORES: PASSERES—OSCIXES.

THE CROW — COMMON AND YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE — BLUB
JAY — THE CANADA, FLORIDA, ULTAMARINE, STELLER*S,
MEXICAN, AND PRINCE MAXIMILIAN JAY — GREAT AMERICAN
SHRIKE — SOLITARY, WHITE-EYED, AND YELLOW-THROAT
VIREO — CEDAR-BIRD — WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH.

Or all the feathered inhabitants of America, with
which we are acquainted, the Crow is probably the
least of a favorite. Having little either in his ap-
pearance or habits to recommend him, he seems to
be regarded by general consent as a plundering vaga-
bond, toward whom neither indulgence nor mercy are
to be extended; and were it not that a beneficent
Providence has gifted him with more than common
sagacity, the race, in our agricultural districts at least,
would have long since suffered a considerable dimi-
nution of numbers. Watch the motions of yonder
sportsman with his double-barrelled gun, as he cau-
tiously follows the windings of that old worm-fence,
upon a distant stake of which are perched two or
three ominous-looking birds, while a dozen or more
of the same sort are quietly rooting up the fresh-
sprouted corn in an adjoining field. Well aware that
the watchful eye of the sentinel is ever on the look-
out for the approach of an enemy, he moves stealthily

THE CROW. 49

along, until, fearful of losing his chance, he aims the
piece at the nearest bird, who, immediately perceiving
his danger, utters the alarm-note, and the whole flock
follow his lead beyond the reach of powder. Some-
times the sportsmen conceal themselves among shrub-
bery in the track of the Crows as they pass to and
from their roosting-places, but even here they cannot
always escape the scrutinizing glance of these ever-
suspicious birds, for they may be observed to wheel
to the right or the left of the spot as soon as they
approach within a short distance of it. A constant
fear of falling a prey to the murderous gun seems to
attend the whole life of the poor Crow; every suspi-
cious-looking individual is avoided with care, and it
is almost impossible to come within shooting distance
of him without great caution.

But why is it that this bird should thus be an ob-
ject of common hatred and execration? Simply
because, as in the case of the Blackbirds, we have
placed a wrong estimate upon the works of an All-
wise Creator. What if the Crow does root up the
corn in some places, compelling the farmer to replant
and replant until his patience is gone ? The cut-
worms, of which these injured birds annually destroy
myriads, are certainly a far worse enemy, and more
to be dreaded, inasmuch as they appear when the
crop is far advanced, and accomplish its destruction
when it is too late to replant.

The nest of the Crow is generally built in some
quiet and secluded spot, upon the jutting crag of a
precipitous rock, or among the thick branches of
5 D

50 INSESSORES.

some tall tree beyond the reach of his great enemy — •
man. It is composed externally of moss, sticks, and
^thin pieces of bark, stuck together sometimes with
mud or clay, and lined with horse-hair or wool, so as
to make a thick warm bed. The eggs are four, of a
pale greenish hue, marked with blotches of olive.
When the vicinity of the nest is approached, the
noise made by the birds often brings to their assist-
ance all the Crows in the neighborhood, who join in
the general hubbub until the intruder retires, fre-
quently following him to a considerable distance, as
though to be sure of his retreat.

In the Autumn these birds congregate in vast
flocks, and resort to some particular spots to roost,
generally along the margins of rivers or the shores
of lakes, where there is an abundant growth of reeds,
upon which they settle in such numbers as to bend
them to the earth. Toward these roosting-places
they may be seen, in the latter part of the day,
slowly wending their way, in long, straggling, and
apparently interminable lines, sometimes flying low
over the fields, and sometimes high above in the air.
These flocks disperse during the daytime in smaller
companies to search for food.

The Crow is capable of being domesticated so as
to become quite an amusing pet, and, it is said, may
be taught to utter a few words of good English. It
soon learns to distinguish between the different mem-
bers of the family, appears terrified at the approach
of a stranger, has a great propensity for hiding small
articles, particularly of metal, also corn and food

T H E C R O W. 51

generally. He is fond of the company of his master,
and will recognize him even after a long absence,
as the following well-authenticated anecdote will
show :

"A worthy gentleman who resided on the river
Delaware near Easton, had raised a Crow with whose
tricks and society he used frequently to amuse him-
self. The Crow lived long in the family, but at
length disappeared, having, as was then supposed,
been shot by some vagrant gunner, or destroyed by
accident. About eleven months after this, as the
gentleman, one morning, in company with several
others, was standing on the river shore, a number
of Crows happening to pass by, one of them left
the flock, and flying directly toward the company,
alighted on the gentleman's shoulder, and began to
gabble away with great volubility, as one long absent
friend, naturally enough, does on meeting with an-
other. On recovering from his surprise, the gentle-
man instantly recognized his old acquaintance, and
endeavored, by several civil but sly manoeuvres, to
lay hold of him ; but the Crow, not altogether re-
lishing quite so much familiarity, having now had a
taste of the sweets of liberty, cautiously eluded all
his attempts; and suddenly glancing his eye on his
distant companions, mounted in the air after them,
soon overtook and mingled with them, and was never
afterward seen to return."*

The Magpie, which in Great Britain is so common

* Wilson's " American Ornithology."

52

IN SESSORES.

and familiar a bird, is comparatively little known in
the United States, its haunts being strictly confined

to the vast territory
lying west of the Mis-
flj sissippi, where, in some
districts, it appears to
be abundant. It is
represented as a bold,
active, and restless spe-
cies, constantly flying
from place to place;
being possessed of all
the voracity peculiar
to his tribe, and very
fond of the eggs and
young of other birds,
especially Chickens,
Pheasants, and Par-
tridges; it will even
alight upon the backs of cattle, and peck out the
larvae of insects that are secreted in the skin, and is
quite well satisfied with carrion if no better food is
at hand.

" In 1804, an exploring party, under the command
of Captains Lewis and Clark, on their route to the
Pacific Ocean, across the continent, first met with
the Magpie somewhere near the great bend of the
Missouri, and found that the number of these birds
increased as they advanced. Here also the Blue Jay
disappeared; as if the territorial boundaries and ju-
risdiction of these two noisy and voracious families

Magpie.

THE MAGPIE. 53

of the same tribe had been mutually agreed upon
and distinctly settled. But the Magpie was found
to be far more daring than the Jay, dashing into
their very tents, and carrying off the meat from the
dishes. One of the hunters who accompanied the
expedition stated that they frequently attended him
while he was engaged in skinning and cleaning the
carcass of the deer, bear, or buffalo he had killed,
often seizing the meat that hung within a foot or two
of his head. On the shores of the Koos-koos-ke
river, on the west side of the great range of Rocky
Mountains, they were found to be equally numerous.
" It is highly probable that those vast plains or
prairies, abounding with game and cattle, frequently
killed for the mere hides, tallow, or even marrow-
bones, may be one great inducement for the residency
of these birds, so fond of flesh and carrion. Even
the rigorous severity of winter in the high regions
along the head-waters of the Rio del Norte, Arkansas,
and Red Rivers, seems insufficient to force them from
those favorite haunts ; though it appears to increase
their natural voracity to a very uncommon degree.
Colonel Pike relates that in the month of December,
in the neighborhood of the North Mountain, these
birds were seen in great numbers. ' Our horses/
says he, ' were obliged to scrape the snow away to
obtain their miserable pittance ; and, to increase their
misfortunes, the poor animals were attacked by the
Magpies, who, attracted by the scent of their sore
backs, alighted on them, and in defiance of their
wincing and kicking, picked many places quite raw;
5*

54 INSESSORES.

the difficulty of procuring food rendering these birds
so bold, as to alight on our men's arms, and eat meat
out of their hands/ " *

There are two species of Magpie found within the
limits of the United States ; the Common Magpie,
which we have just described, and the Yellow-billed
Magpie, both of which may be styled showy and or-
namental birds. Their long, wedge-shaped tails, com-
posed of beautifully colored feathers of brilliant blue
and shining green, give them a peculiarly elegant and
graceful appearance. The head, neck, back, and
throat of the Common Magpie are black, the lower
parts, together with the scapulars, white, the tail,
upper wing-coverts, and secondary quills of the wings,
are rich green with purplish reflections. The Yellow-
billed Magpie is very similar to the above in size and
appearance, except that the bill is bright yellow, and
the crown of the head is glossed with green. It is
a resident of Upper California.

The family of birds of which the Common Blue
Jay is the principal representative in the United
States, probably enjoys as wide-spread a reputation
as any other division of our American Fauna. It is
said that with the exception of Southern Africa, Aus-
tralia, and the Pacific Islands, there is no country
upon the globe where some of its representatives are
not found. But it is on the American Continent that
it is most abundantly diffused, especially in Mexico
and the countries lying adjacent to the Equator, where
there are many beautiful species, displaying a great

* Wilson's "American Ornithology."

THE BLUE JAY.

55

variety of the most exquisite tints in their plumage.
A prevailing color of the whole group is blue, of dif-
ferent shades, from a light azure or ultamarine, to a
deep, dull indigo. In the United States we number
about eleven species. In the north and east we have
the Blue Jay and the Canada Jay ; in the south, the
Florida Jay ; and in the west and north-west, the
Ultamarine Jay, Steller's Jay, Prince Maximilian's
Jay, Mexican Jay, and Beechy's Jay, the two latter
being mostly confined to Texas and California.

Nearly all our country boys are familiar with the
Blue Jay, with his high, peaked crest, his black

Blue Jay.

whiskers, and his broad wings and tail so beautifully
banded with blue, black, and white. His bold,
sprightly bearing, his malicious and deceitful habits,
his sly and cunning disposition, and his great fond-
ness for tasting the eggs which other birds have laid,
are facts in his history well known to most. His

56 INSESSORES.

showy plumage, attractive form, and graceful mo-
tions, as well as his restless and noisy activity, ren-
der him one of the most prominent inhabitants of our
woodlands. It is difficult to realize how a creature
so eminently favored and gifted with so many per-
sonal charms, should also be possessed of so much
selfishness, mischief, and malice. But so it is ; and
even in the beautiful garb of the Blue Jay we find
the moral written, that it is unsafe to judge from ex-
ternal appearances. It robs the nests of other birds
indiscriminately, sucking the eggs or devouring the
young, and will even attack large birds and other
animals which have been wounded or otherwise dis-
abled ; but true to his cowardly disposition, he sel-
dom risks his safety in open combat with his equals.
Audubon says, "The Cardinal Grosbeak will chal-
lenge him, and beat him off the ground. The Red
Thrush, the Mocking Bird, and many others, although
inferior in strength, never allow him to approach
their nests with impunity; and the Jay, to be even
with them, creeps silently to it in their absence, and
devours their eggs and young whenever he finds an
opportunity. I have," he adds, " seen one go its
round from one nest to another every day, and suck
the newly laid eggs of the different birds in the
neighborhood, with as much regularity and compo-
sure as a physician would call on his patients. I
have also witnessed the sad disappointment it expe-
rienced, when, on returning to its own home, it found
its mate in the jaws of a snake, the nest upset, and
the eggs all gone."

THE CANADA JAY. 57

The Canada Jay is a very plain and unpretending
bird, being the only species of those we have named
which is destitute of a brilliant plumage ] its predoiu
inating colors being a dull slate and drab, with occa-
sional markings of black. It inhabits the State of
Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and in
winter a few individuals. are seen as far southward as
Pennsylvania. It is abundant in the Canadas and
Labrador, and has been found in the vicinity of Fort
Astoria, on the Columbia river. It becomes very
familiar with the wood-cutters of Maine, entering
their camps on very social terms, and helping itself
to such pieces of flesh as are within its reach. These
wood-cutters sometimes " amuse themselves in their
camp during their eating hours, with what they call
' transporting the carrion bird/ This is done by cut-
ting a pole eight or ten feet in length, and balancing
it on the sill of their hut, the end outside the en-
trance being baited with a piece of flesh of any kind.
Immediately on seeing the tempting morsel, the Jays
alight on it, and while they are busily engaged in
devouring it, a wood-cutter gives a smart blow to the
end of the pole within the hut, which seldom fails
to drive the birds high in the air, and not unfre-
quently kills them."*

Prince Maximilian's Jay was first discovered in
the Rocky Mountains by the celebrated naturalist
whose name it bears, while travelling in the interior
of North America. In form and general appearance,
as well as in other important particulars, it differs

* Audubon.

58 INSESSORES.

from any other member of the group. The absence
of the long expansive tail, which adds so much grace
to the motions of other species, and its peculiarly
short, clumsy figure, are very apparent. It, however,
possesses in a very high degree the carnivorous and
rapacious propensities of its tribe, living mostly upon
frogs, lizards, and other reptiles. It appears to be
rather a scarce bird, and quite difficult to procure on
account of its shyness. Specimens are therefore sel-
dom seen in our cabinets.

The Shrikes in many respects closely resemble the
Jays. With the exception of the head and bill, in
general form they are not unlike ; in manners and
habits they still more closely agree, and although
some naturalists have assigned them a place imme-
diately following the Hawks, in consequence of the
shape of the head, being broad and stout, and also
the hooked form of the bill, yet the other character-
istics by which the genera are determined are unques-
tionably in favor of their position being near the Crow
family.

The Great American Shrike, or Butcher Bird, is
more than a match for the Blue Jay in cruel rapac-
ity. Its food consisting almost exclusively of large
insects, birds, and the smaller quadrupeds, it has
attained the reputation of being an expert hunter,
seizing upon its prey with great dexterity, much after
the manner of the Sparrow Hawk. It is said to pos-
sess the faculty of imitating the notes of other birds,
especially such as are indicative of distress, which it
does no doubt for the purpose of decoying them

THE BUTCHER BIRD.

59

within its reach, as it has teen known upon such oc-
casions to dart suddenly into the thicket and bear off
the body of some deluded victim. It will also occa-
sionally pursue its prey upon the wing for a consid-
erable distance, and
sometimes succeeds in
bringing it to the
ground.

Like the Jays, this
bird has the habit of
stowing away its sur-
plus food, as though
for future use. The
Jay finds some hole
in a tree, or crack or
crevice in the bark,
where he secretes
what he does not need
for the present; while
the Butcher Bird im-
pales its victims upon thorns or other sharp points
that may happen to suit its purpose. The object of
its so doing remains a mystery, many opinions rela-
tive to the subject having been expressed by various
observers, but this part of the history of this singular
bird has yet to be properly elucidated.

The Butcher Bird inhabits most of the Eastern,
Middle, and Southern States, retiring during Sum-
mer to the more northern and mountainous districts,
for the purpose of incubation. The nest is generally
built among the forked branches near the top of a

Butcher Bird.

60 INSESSORES.

small tree ; it is composed externally of grass, moss,
and leaves; internally of fibrous roots, and is warmly
lined with feathers. The eggs are mostly four in
number, of a dull ashy hue, spotted and streaked tow-
ard the great end with brown.

Among the many charms which attend upon the
opening of Spring, and by their sweetness and beauty
do much to render its advent a joyous and lovely sea-
son, one of the most pleasing is the song of the birds.
How gentle and soothing are their tones, as, with the
highest glee, they warble out their inspired music !
How peaceful are the thoughts that occupy the mind
that has been abstracted from itself, by the distant
voice of some modest little bird ! We can hardly
place too high an estimate upon the kindly influences
which they exert upon us. Listen to the persuasive
tones of the Red-eyed Vireo, — soft and sweet, and
full of eloquence, bidding us cast aside our griefs,
and be as happy as he. And the Warbling Vireo —
li^ht-hearted little fellow, he too tells us that the

~ '

skies are bright and the sun is ever shining, notwith-
standing clouds may obstruct them from our view ;
and though the day be dark, he sings on, still look-
ing for a bright to-morrow.

These two charming little songsters belong to a
group formerly placed with the Fly-catchers and
Tyrants, on account of their possessing some of the
habits of those birds ; but a slight comparison will
at once show the difference. The true Tyrants are
of a stout, heavy build, particularly about the head
and shoulders, while the Vireos are light and deli-

THE VIREO. 61

cate, approaching nearer the Warblers in that re-
spect. The Vireos are more musical than the Ty-
rants, the latter being as a family quite destitute of
song. Their motions upon the wing are also quite
dissimilar; the flight of the former being gliding,
and with little motion of the wings, while 'that of the
latter is accompanied frequently by rapid fluttering.
A position in the family of Shrikes is now believed
to be the most natural. There are a number of spe-
cies of the Yireos found in our woods, but the two
mentioned above are the most conspicuous on ac-
count of the peculiar sweetness of their notes. Be-
sides them we have the Solitary Vireo, the Yellow-
throated Vireo, and the White-eyed Vireo ; the latter
has sometimes been called the Politician, in conse-
quence of their nests being seldom found without
containing one or more pieces of newspaper in their
texture. The nests of all these little birds are par-
ticularly neat in their structure, being mostly com-
posed of fine materials, and arranged with the utmost
skill. That of the White-eye is built in a lowjbushy
vine, a species of Smilax which is very abundant.
It is in the form of an inverted cone, and besides
the newspaper, we find small dry twigs, grasses, and
pieces of hornet's nests ; the whole is lined with fine
fibrous roots. In this snug little cavity is often
found the egg of the Cow-bird, several of the species
of the Vireos being honored with the task of assist-
ing to perpetuate this singular race.

The next bird we shall present is the Cedar-bird,
or Waxwing. Arrayed in a plain and modest suit;
6

62

INSESSORES.

possessed of no song, its only note being a low mo-
notonous lisp, scarcely audible at a distance of fifty

paces. Yet to it is
given a plumage of
the most exquisitely
soft arid silky tex-
ture, which lays so
close and smooth,
that the webbings
of each feather are
scarcely distinguish-
able. The head is
surmounted by an
ornamental crest, ca-
pable of being raised
or depressed at the
will of the bird. The
general color of the
plumage is a beau-
tiful fawn, lightest
upon the lower parts ; a band of velvety black mar-
gined above and below with white, passes from the
forehead over the eye toward the hinder part of the
head. The tail feathers are all broadly tipped with
bright yellow ; the shafts of each, together with those
of the secondary quills in the wings, being extended
in a short appendage very much resembling a small
piece of red sealing-wax. Those upon the tail are
seldom found perfect, as they are soon worn off
among the thick foliage of the cedars.

The Cedar-birds are very abundant in spring and

Upper fig. — Red-eyed Vireo.
Lower Jig. — Cedar-bird.

THE CEDAR-BIRD. 63

fall, associating in flocks of considerable size, moving
about in a compact body, and alighting in such num-
bers and so closely together, as almost to touch each
other. Now is the sportsman's opportunity, as a
dozen or more may be brought down at one shot, but
so soon as they commence to disperse over the tree,
which they do almost immediately, they become
restless, and are more difficult to kill. At these sea-
sons of the year their appetites are so voracious as to
lead them to devour almost everything in the shape
of fruit which comes in their way ; hence they be-
come very fat, and are considered as excellent eat-
ing, large numbers being exposed in our markets
for sale.

It is a singular fact that the Cedar-bird, although
one of the earliest of our visitors, is probably the last
to commence the important business of incubation,
thousands of young birds of other species having left
their nests before it has begun to build. They seem
also to have less regard for the safety of their young
than most birds, as the nest is placed in a low hori-
zontal branch of an apple-tree ; and when approached
the bird flies off without any manifestation of con-
cern.

We should scarcely be doing our readers justice,
were we to omit noticing another family of quiet
little birds which are the farmer's special friends.
Of these the White-breasted Nuthatch is probably
the most familiar representative in the Middle States.
It is a social and familiar species, frequenting the
garden and orchard, and even the house-top, where

64 INSESSORES.

it may be seen sometimes picking in the decayed
shingles for insects. As though aware of its useful-
ness, it confidingly trusts in the protection of man,
which indeed should always be afforded it, as its
busy, active life is almost constantly devoted to his
service, in the destruction of myriads of hurtful in-
sects and their larvae. Its note is a low chirp, which
it occasionally utters as it runs up and down the
trunks of the trees in search of food. It is extremely
nimble when so engaged, moving with great facility
sideways or head downwards, in which position it
will sometimes stop and gaze with a peculiarly quaint
expression at the bystander for some time, although
he may be within a few paces of the tree, and then
with a sudden jerk of its wings, off it goes to an ad-
joining tree. During summer they retire to the
woods, where they dig out a small hole in some de-
cayed tree with their long sharp bills, at the bottom
of which the female lays her eggs. There are three
other species of this family in the United States, all
of them active and pretty little creatures. The Brown-
headed Nuthatch is quite abundant in the South,
where it is a constant resident, but is seldom found
north of the State of Maryland ; while the Red-bel-
lied Nuthatch occupies the eastern and northern dis-
tricts; its occurrence south of Pennsylvania is rare.
The latter is quite as abundant in the mountainous
parts of Pennsylvania as the White-breasted species.
Of the California Nuthatch but little is known, but
as its name implies, it is an inhabitant of Upper Cali-
fornia.

USEFULNESS OF BIRDS. 65

We cannot too forcibly impress upon our country
friends the value they should attach to the lives of
these little birds, and unless for scientific purposes
[they should positively prohibit their being destroyed.
The idea that they suck the sap from the tree is toe
preposterous to be listened to. But the assertion
that they save an enormous amount of fruit from de-
struction by insects, is true.

66 INSESSORE8

CHAPTER IV.

INSESSORES: PASSERES— OSCINES.

A STROLL INTO THE WOODS OF CAROLINA — MOCKING BIRD —

WOOD ROBIN CAT-BIRD ROBIN GOLDEN-CROWNED

THRUSH — BROWN THRUSH — FINCHES SNOW BUNTING —

SONG SPARROW — INDIGO BIRD — NONPAREIL — HOUSE FINCH
— CROSSBILL — CARDINAL GROSBEAK — BLUE GROSBEAK —
SCARLET TANAQER.

WE will now take a stroll into the woods of Caro-
lina, and see if there is anything among the feathered
inhabitants of the South that is peculiarly attractive
and worthy of attention. The lofty branches of the
Long Leaved Pines are waving majestically over our
heads, their fine and beautiful foliage being here and
there varied by a clump of ')aks and Hickory. Clus-
:ering vines of many sorts are twining themselves
around the giant stems, wreathing the branches with
festoons of gay-colored flowers, and mingling their
fragrance with the sweet bloom of many a flowering
shrub. The air is soft and balmy, and possessed of
a peculiar freshness which is characteristic of a pine
forest. Nature here seems to have profusely spread
her charms on every side, pointing us at each step to
some new object of admiration. The mellow whistle
of the Red Bird is heard overhead, together with the
call of the Jay, the soft warbling of the Vireos, the

Upper Jig. — Blue Grosbeak. Lmver ^.—Scarlet Tanaprer.

(67)

THE MOCKING BIRD. 69

mewing of the Cat-bird, the loud clear melody of the
Wood Robin, the shrill cry of the Woodpecker, and
many other voices equally attractive. As we advance
into the thicket the confusion of sounds increases;
every song with which we are familiar, and many
more, seem suddenly let loose upon the ear, and last,
though it is broad day, we are surprised to hear the
cry of the Whip-poor-will. This exciting our curios-
ity, we naturally look around to discover the cause
of so strange an occurrence; but still sounds the
clear cry of" Whip-poor-will ! whip-poor-will !" When
suddenly there darts up from a low bush near by a
fine Mocking Bird, and settling on a branch within
our view, continues his varied melody. The secret
is at once explained ; the little mimic before us has
been the sole cause of our surprise, and there he sits
flirting his long tail from side to side with an air of
perfect satisfaction, expanding his wings and stretch-
ing his neck in all directions, while he calls out with
much animation, " Bob -White! Bob -White!" and
before poor Bob -White has time to scamper to his
covey, the screams of the Pigeon Hawk are heard
wild and clear; then immediately his voice falls into
some soft and tender warble, gradually rising higher
and higher until we recognize, among a host of others,
the clear and ringing melody of the Brown Thrush,
set off with the gentler tones of the Robin and Blue-
bird, occasionally interspersed with some fine, pleas-
ing original notes. We stand and listen with delight
to this grand concert of Nature's great musician, his
voice ever changing, ever sweet, until the twilight

70

INSESSORES.

unconsciously steals upon us ; still the serenade con-
tinues. The pale moon glimmers in the eastern sky,
and as it grows brighter and brighter and darts its
vivid beams into the forest's deep recess, our little
performer, as though animated with fresh spirit,
seems to strain his utmost powers in pouring forth a
flood of the most enchanting song. This exquisite
aerial music is often maintained during most of the
night, or until the moon sets, two or three birds some-
times vying with each other in the strength of their
voices.

Mocking Bird.

But it is not in the Southern States alone that the
Mocking Bird is found, it having been seen in Penn-
sylvania and even as far north as Boston ; in these
places it is generally shy, and does not sing with that

THE THRUSHES. 71

energy which characterizes it at the South. In Loui-
siana it remains as a constant resident, feeding during
winter on the numerous berries and small fruits which
are mostly abundant.

In the Northern and Middle States, the place of
the Mocking Bird is filled by the "Wood Robin or
Wood Thrush, a bird whose song, although not so
varied as that of his southern neighbor, is never-
theless, on account of its peculiar power and sweet-
ness, not less pleasing. Audubon says that among
all the feathered tribes of the woods, this is his fa-
vorite; and we question if this is not the general
opinion of most of those who are accustomed to the
different notes of our best songsters.

It delights in deep shady woodlands, where there
is a thick undergrowth of low shrubbery, and through
which meanders some shallow brook, that

" Sparkles out among the ferns,
To bicker down a vale."

Here its loud, clear, and mellow voice may be heard
almost from morning till night, but more particularly
just after daybreak, and in the evening, continuing
it until some time after sunset.

There are various kinds of Thrushes which are
interesting, but which our limits will hardly admit
us fully to describe. With the Robin almost every
child that has been much in the woods is familiar.
It is gifted with considerable powers of song, the
note being a loud, clear, and very musical warble,
uttered with much force and rapidity. We have
also the Golden-crowned Thrush, which builds a nest

72

INSESSORES.

m

7£ v^.~~->

Robin.

upon the ground so resembling an oven as to have
given it with some the title of Oven Bird. It also
is very abundant in the woods during summer, and
has a loud, shrill voice, which can hardly be called
musical.

Another favorite member of this family is the
Brown Thrush or Thrasher. Its song is very clear
and melodious, resembling more that of the Wood
Thrush, but not attended with that peculiar softness
of expression which renders the latter a songster of
superior merit.

The Thrushes appear to be gifted with consider-
able intelligence, and display much sagacity in pro-
tecting themselves and their young from danger.
The Mocking Bird is often annoyed by the predatory
visits of the Rattlesnake, against which he battles
with great ferocity, avoiding dexterously his venom-
ous bite, and at the same time pecking at his eyes

THETHRUSHES. 73

and head with such vehemence as to drive him quite
away from the spot. The Brown Thrush also finds
an enemy in the Blacksnake, which quietly and almost
unobserved crawls into the nest for the purpose of
making a meal of the eggs or young. But no sooner
do the old birds catch sight of him, than a general
uproar ensues ; other thrushes in the vicinity assem-
ble at the cry of distress and boldly assault the in-
truder, fairly pecking the eyes from his head, and it
may be well for the poor snake if he escapes without
being stretched lifeless upon the ground.

An anecdote is told of a Thrush, of what species
we are uncertain, who had built her nest near the
spot where some rocks were being blown with pow-
der. At first, whenever the blast would explode she
was disturbed by the fragments of rock flying in all
directions, but still she would not leave the spot. At
length observing that just before the explosion there
was a bell rung, upon which the miners immediately
withdrew to a place of safety, she concluded to fol-
low their example ; accordingly, when the bell rung
she retired to the spot where the workmen were shel-
tered, and dropped close to their feet, remaining
until the explosion had taken place, when she re-
turned to her nest. The story of her sagacity was
soon told, and visitors wished to gratify themselves
by observing the bird. But as explosions could not
be produced whenever they pleased, the bell was
rung instead, which for a time answered the purpose ;
but the bird was not to be so trifled with ; she re-
fused to leave her eggs merely to amuse her visitors,
7

74 INSESSORES.

and so when the bell was rung she peeped out to see
if the workmen retreated, and if not, she remained
quietly on her nest.

One of the sweetest as well as the most familiar
notes with which we are acquainted, is that of the
Bluebird. He is among the earliest visitors from
the South, even coming to us from a great distance
to pass a few warm, bright days before the close of
Winter, disappearing, however, at the return of severe
cold. But no sooner has the first breath of Spring
offered him a more certain inducement to remain,
than he is seen flitting cheerily about the farm-house
and along the fence-rows, uttering his soft and plain-
tive warble with a degree of innocence which no
sensitive heart could fail to appreciate. He early
visits his old haunts about the wood-shed and out-
houses, examining the spot where his last year's nest
was built, and with all the ardor and zeal of a new-
born affection he assists his mate in rearranging the
materials for their abode, which is often in a box
made for his use and nailed to a post in the garden;
but not unfrequently he builds in the hole of some
decayed tree or old gate-post. The writer once saw
one of these nests which had been built at the bot-
tom of a hole in a gate-post, from which it required
some ingenuity on the part of the old birds to effect
the escape of their young, the hole being too deep
for them to get out alone. This difficulty they had
overcome by placing a few small sticks on one side
of the hole in the form of a ladder, by which means
they could crawl out. The Bluebird sometimes no

/

Upper fig.— Hooded Warbler. Lower /^.—Bluebird.

(75)

THE BLUEBIRD. 77

sooner becomes nicely and to all appearance perma«
nently fixed in his snug little box, than he is attacked
with such vigor and determination by the Wren, that
he is compelled to give up the premises which he had
preoccupied, the latter not considering his more tardj
habits as in any way lessening his right to its occu-
pancy, provided he can gain possession.

There is something sweetly attractive in the man-
ners and habits as well as the song of the Bluebird.
Attaching himself closely to the habitations of man,
he seems to have become a sort of domesticated pet,
whose annual reappearance among us is welcomed
with peculiar pleasure. It is probable that he re-
mains with us during a greater portion of the year
than any other migratory song-bird, unless it be the
Robin. Before the cold breath of Winter has passed
away, he comes to us fresh from a land of sunshine
and flowers, with a merry little heart beating high
beneath his bright chestnut bosom, and his little
throat seeming to stretch toAp utmost capacity to

cheer our lone hours with his %ong. During Sum-
mer he is our ever-constant and ever-welcome com-
panion. He attends us in our rambles, flitting before
us as we walk by the roadside. If we pass near the
place where his nest is built, he will mount a stake
near by and warble out his sweet little ditty, his
bright azure coat sparkling in the sun, as he nimbly
twits himself about, opening and shutting his wings
frequently and in rapid succession. He watches
carefully over the interests of the garden, and many
a noxious caterpillar is transferred from his luiking-
7*

78 INSESSORES.

place among the vegetables to the mouths of his
hungry little ones.

" When all the gay scenes of the summer are o'er,

And autumn slow enters, so silent and sallow,
And millions of warblers, that charmed us before,

Have fled in the train of the sun-seeking Swallow,
The Bluebird, forsaken, yet true to his home,

Still lingers, and looks for a milder to-morrow,
Till, forced by the horrors of winter to roam,

He sings his adieu in a lone note of sorrow."

There are two other species of Bluebirds in the
United States, both of which are inhabitants of the
far West. The Western Bluebird resembles our own
closely, but is readily distinguished from it; the
principal difference is that the chestnut of the throat
extends in a collar round the neck. The Arctic Blue-
bird is a beautiful creature, the whole plumage being
of a soft ultamarine, least brilliant on the throat and
breast. It is found as far north as the mouth of
the Columbia river.

Perhaps there is no family of the Passerine Inses-
sores more numerous, or containing a greater variety,
than the Fringillinae or Finches. It consists of about
nineteen subdivisions and comprises between sixty
and seventy species, all inhabiting the territory of
the United States. It would be impossible for us
here to enter upon any very general description of
these birds ; we must therefore confine ourselves to
a few of the most prominent individuals among them,
leaving it to our readers to pursue the study of this
interesting group as their inclination may lead them,

THE SNOW BUNTING. 79

by the assistance of more complete or voluminous
works.

The cold and icy regions of Labrador and Green-
land are inhabited by a number of beautiful birds,
which are very rarely seen except during their short
stay among us in winter, when the severity of the
northern climate and the scarcity of food compel
them to remove to a warmer latitude. Among these
are the Lapland Longspur and the Snow Bunting.
They are both quite abundant in the Western States
during winter, but the former is seldom met with
near the Atlantic coast, confining itself principally
to the region of country lying north from Kentucky
and west of Pennsylvania. In Nova Scotia and the
States of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, the
Snow Buntings make their appearance in large flocks,
about the time of the first fall of snow, and spread
themselves over great tracts of country in search of
grubs, larvae of insects, seeds, and any other sub-
stance that will answer the purpose of food ; as tho
severity of the season advances, they proceed south-
ward, occasionally, though rarely, as far as the vicin-
ity of Philadelphia. In Summer these birds not only
inhabit Labrador, Greenland, and Iceland, but even
the piercing climate of Spitzbergen, where the in-
tensity of the cold is such that vegetation is nearly
extinct. Indeed, they seem to make the whole coun-
try within the limits of the Arctic Circle, their home,
from whence they spread themselves ir. vast numbers
southward on both continents, upon the opening of
the Arctic winter.

80

IN SESSORES.

The plumage of the Snow Bunting varies so much
with age, climate, and other circumstances, that it is
aim )st impossible in the same flock to procure more

than a few specimens
whose markings and
colors are precisely
similar. They are for
the most part white,
with various inter-
mixtures of fawn
color and black upon
the head, back,shoul-
ders, and wings. Some
i specimens are pure
white, others white
and black only, while
in some the fawn col-
or predominates.

Snow Bunting. \ye must not con.

found the Snow Bunting with our familiar and wel-
come little winter visitant, the Snow Bird. Although

/ O

both belong to the same family, they differ greatly in
their size, appearance, and manners, the latter being
fully one-third smaller. The predominating color of
its plumage is a deep leaden brown, with white on
the breast and sides, and two white feathers on each
side of the tail. This little bird comes to us just as
the ground is being strewn with the autumn leaves,
and, continuing during the severest winters, leaves
us again for the north early in the Spring. It is a
sprightly and active as well as a social and confiding

THE SONG SPARROW.

81

bird, entering the city in great numbers, so that there
is scarcely an open garden where they may not be
found picking up the crumbs and pieces of waste
food that are thrown out. In the country they some-
times mingle in small flocks with the Tree Sparrows
and Titmice. They seem particularly active just
after a fresh fall of snow, flying about from bush to
bush with apparent delight, twittering and chirping
with great animation. We cannot help wondering
what a winter would be without the Snow Birds ; for
however we may appear to be indifferent to their
existence, they cer-
tainly exert a silent
influence upon us,
in enlivening and
animating a scene
which without them
might be dreary and
dull.

Among the many
beautiful little Spar-
rows and Finches
that tenant our
groves during the
summer months, the
Song Sparrow and
the Indigo Bird pre-
sent themselves as
objects peculiarly
worthy of our attention. The former, although rather
a plain and unobtrusive little fellow, still merits o ar

F

Upper Jig. — Snow Bird.
Lower fig. — Song Sparrow.

82 INSESSORES.

affection for the sweet and sprightly notes with which
he cheers us so early in the Spring. Although par-
tially migratory, yet in the warmer parts of Pennsyl-
vania and New Jersey he may be considered as a
permanent resident. Here his notes are heard in
advance of the Bluebird. His song is not possessed
of much variety, but is uttered with great force and
sweetness. Most birds become quite silent after the
brooding season is passed, but not so with our little
Sparrow * he sings with as much animation in the
Autumn as in the Spring ; and sometimes even in
the depth of Winter his clear and cadenced voice
may be heard among the low bushes which skirt our
woodlands.

The Indigo Bird, as its name implies, is gifted
with a coat of the deepest and most brilliant blue.
It is quite a small bird, about the size of the Chip-
ping Sparrow, and in addition to its gay and attrac-
tive plumage, is possessed of a fine song. Mounted
upon the top of a tall tree, it will sit for half an hour
and chaunt its simple lay, which somewhat resem-
bles that of the Canary, but is not so varied, com-
mencing with a loud clear warble, and gradually fall-
ing for six or eight seconds until it is scarcely audi-
ble, and after a short pause repeating it without
variation. Its favorite haunts are about gardens,
clover-fields, the borders of woods, and the road-
sides, where it may often be seen perched upon a,
fence-stake, singing with great vivacity. The female
is not possessed of the same brilliant livery as her

THE FINCHES. 83

mate, neither do the males assume their perfect dress
until the third season.

Closely allied to the Indigo Bird are the Lazuli
Finch and the Painted Finch or Nonpareil. The
former abounds in the western territories, from the
Arkansas river to the Columbia, but is never seen to
the eastward. The males are beautiful birds, and
frequently indulge in a pleasing and not unmusical
song. Their plumage is of a fine light blue, with a
slight tinge of green, except on the breast and sides,
which are white, intermingled with fawn. The Non-
pareil is one of the most common and familiar birds
in the Southern States, particularly in the lower part
of Louisiana. In the vicinity of New Orleans they
are so abundant in the Spring that almost every
orange grove seems alive with them, and they may
be seen flying along the roadsides in great numbers.
When they first arrive from their winter quarters in
Mexico, the males are very pugnacious and quarrel-
some, and are almost continually engaged in fighting.
This jealous disposition is made use of by the bird-
fanciers to catch them alive in their traps, which
they do in the following manner :

"A male bird in full p-lumage is shot and stuffed
in a defensive attitude, and perched among some
grass-seed, rice, or other food, on the same platform
as the trap-cage. This is taken to the fields, or near
the orangeries, and placed in so open a situation, that
it would be difficult for a living bird of any species
to fly over it without observing it. The trap is set.
A male Painted Finch passes, perceives it, and dives

84 INSESSORES.

towards the stuffed bird with all the anger which its
little breast can contain. It alights on the edge of
the trap for a moment, and throwing its body against
the stuffed bird, brings down the trap and is made a
prisoner. In this manner thousands of these birds
are caught every spring."*

The beauty of the plumage of this little Finch, as
well as the sweetness of its song, has rendered it a
general favorite among those who are fond of keeping
pets ; it sings with great energy in confinement, and
with care will live for eight or ten years.

Of all the gay-winged minstrels with which our
country abounds, the Painted Finch is one of the
most brilliantly attired. The head is of a beautiful
cobalt blue, a patch of bright yellow covers the back
and shoulders, while the rump and the whole lower
parts, including the throat and breast, are of flaming
scarlet. The females are plain greenish-olive above,
and dusky yellow below; the young birds of both
sexes assume this garb from the nest, the males gra-
dually undergoing a change with each successive
moult until about the fourth or fifth season, when
their dress is complete.

In New Mexico and California there is a beautiful
and familiar little bird called the American House
Finch, which is probably as great a favorite among
the people of those countries as the Barn Swallow,
the Wren, and the Bluebird are with us. The fol-
lowing interesting description of its manners and

* Audubon.

THE FINCHES. 85

habits, by Col. M'Call, we extract from Cassin's
"Birds of America:"

" I found this charming little Finch abundant at
Santa F6 (New Mexico), where it commenced nest-
ing in March, although the weather was still wintry,
and so continued, with frequent snow-storms, for
more than a month. Notwithstanding this, the song
of the male failed not to cheer his mate during in-
cubation, with the liveliest melody. The notes often
reminded me of the soft trill of the House Wren,
and as often of the clear warble of the Canary. The
males of the last year, though mated and apparently
equally happy and quite as assiduous as their seniors,
were not yet in full plumage, having little or nothing
of the red colors that mark the adult birds.

" The nests which were stuck into every cranny
about the eaves and porticoes of the houses through-
out the town, were variously composed of dry grass,
fine roots, horse-hair, long pieces of cotton twine, or
strips of old calico ; in fine, of countless odds and
ends, that were picked up about the yards; — these
were curiously and firmly interwoven, so as to make
a warm and comfortable abode for the new-comers.

" His disposition toward other birds appeared to be
mild and peaceful, as I had many opportunities to
observe. I will mention one instance. In the piazza
of the house I occupied, quite a colony of these birds
had their nests : here the work of building and in-
cubation had gone on prosperously for several weeks,
although the weather at times was stormy and cold,
and ere the genial warmth of Spring was fairly felt,
8

86 INSESSORES.

the colony might have been said to be fully es-
tablished. As the season advanced and birds of a
less hardy nature began to arrive from the South, a
pair of Barn Swallows made their appearance, and
forthwith entered the territory of the Finches. And
here they at once, very unceremoniously, began to
erect their domicil. This act of aggression would
have been fiercely resented by most birds, and vio-
lent measures would have been resorted to, to eject
the intruders. The conduct of the little Finches was
quite different; at first they stood aloof, and seemed
to regard the strangers with suspicion and distrust,
rather than enmity. In the meantime the Swallows
went quietly to work, without showing any inclina-
tion to intermeddle j and in a day or two (their mud
walls all the time rapidly advancing) they gained the
confidence of their neighbors, and finally completed
their work unmolested. Indeed, a perfect harmony
was established between the parties, which I never
saw interrupted by a single quarrel during the time
they remained my tenants."

This little bird is half-brother to our Purple Finch,
which inhabits Canada and the Northern and East-
ern States during Summer, and the Middle and South-
ern States during Winter. The latter, however, does
not possess the mild and peaceable disposition of the
former, but is very quarrelsome and noisy even among
themselves. When feeding, as they often do, in
small flocks, upon the same trees, if one should hap-
pen to approach too near the spot where another is

THE COMMON CROSSBILL. 87

cropping the tender buds, a difficulty mostly ensues,
in •which the weaker party is compelled to retire.

But the most remarkable and noteworthy member
of the Finch family is the Crossbill. The singular
form of the bill, and the peculiar manner in which
it collects its food, give it a more than usually inter-
esting character. There are two species, differing
somewhat in their plumage, as well as in the locality
in which they are found. The Common Crossbill,
which appears to be the most abundant, inhabits dur-
ing winter the pine forests of the Northern and Mid-
dle States, extending its migrations as far south as
Maryland. They congregate in small flocks or fami-
lies, and glean among the ripened cones of the Firs
and Pines, where they find an abundant supply of
nutritious food in the sweet kernels, which they de-
tach from the husks with great dexterity. At first
sight the bill of this bird appears like a deformity,
but upon further observation we find that for the
purpose to which it is applied by the owner, no better
form could have been adopted ; and we are obliged
to confess that Nature, in thus deviating from the
usual form, understood well her own purposes, and
that instead of its being a monstrosity, it is only an-
other striking proof of the wisdom and skill of an
Omnipotent Creator. Their food, although consist-
ing principally of the seeds of the Pine and other
cone-bearing trees, is not by any means confined to
them. When in the vicinity of an orchard, if there
is any fruit, they are sure to be among it, cutting the
apples to pieces to get at the seeds, of which they

IN SESSORES.

are very fond. They move about with great nimble-
ness among the close, thick-set branches of the Firs,
and when perched upon a cone will often stand upon
one foot while they use the other in conveying the
food to the mouth, somewhat affer the manner of the
Parrots. The plumage of the males is mostly a fine
light yellowish red, intermingled with olive brown ;
they vary much according to age and other circum-
stances, and it is
very difficult to pro-
cure two birds in one
flock that are pre-
cisely similar. In
the White -winged
Crossbill this differ-
ence is not so ob-
servable, the mark-
ings being always
more distinct and
the colors stronger.
With the exception
of the wings and tail,
the whole body is of
a rich crimson, in-
White-winged Crossbill. terspersed with olive

and black ; the wings and tail are black, the former
being crossed with bars of pure white. This bird
does not winter so far to the southward as the former
species, at least it seldom makes its appearance in the
latitude of Philadelphia, appearing to enjoy a colder
and more northern or mountainous range. Its habits

THE CARDINAL GROSBEAK. 89

are similar to those of the former, its food and the
manner of collecting it being the same.

We will now conclude our observations among the
Finches by noticing three more birds, which, for
brilliancy of coloring, are perhaps unsurpassed by
any of our feathered friends, unless it be the Non-
pareil.

The first is the Cardinal Grosbeak, that gay, active,
and showy bird, which we sometimes see during a
snow-storm, in company with the Snow Birds, flitting
about among the trees and bushes, uttering its sharp
chirp, and seeming to enjoy rather than lament the
rigors of the season. The plumage of this bird, un-
der whatever circumstances it is viewed, must ever
render it an attractive object. Whether seen through
the deep foliage of Summer, busily engaged with its
domestic concerns, or whether in a more inclement
season it rambles with freedom over the snow-clad
fields and through the leafless woods, its imposing
form, the lengthened crest by which its head is sur-
mounted, and its livery of fiery red, cannot fail to
arrest the eye. In richness of plumage and strength
of song, it is probably not surpassed by any of the
other American Grosbeaks. There are various names
by which it is known in the different sections of coun-
try it inhabits, such as Red Bird, Virginia Nightin-
gale, Cardinal Bird, etc. It is seldom seen to the
eastward, or north of the southern boundary of New
York, Southward from Maryland as far as Texas,
it appears to be a constant resident; some individuals
remaining during winter in the warmer parts of Penn-
8*

90 INSESSORES.

sylvania and New Jersey. Audubon says of this
bird : " Its song is at first loud and clear, resembling
the finest sounds produced by the flageolet, and gra-
dually descends into more marked and continued
cadences until it dies away in the air around. Dur-
ing the love season, the song is emitted with increased
emphasis by this proud musician, who, as if aware
of his powers, swells his throat, spreads his rosy tail,
droops his wings, and leans alternately to the right
and left, as if on the eve of expiring with delight at
the delicious sounds of his own voice. Again and
again are those melodies repeated, the bird resting
only at intervals to breathe. They may be heard
from long before the sun gilds the eastern horizon,
to the period when the blazing orb pours down its
noonday floods of heat and light, driving the birds
to the coverts to seek repose for awhile. Nature
again invigorated, the musician recommences his song,
when, as if he had never strained his throat before,
he makes the whole neighborhood resound, nor ceases
until the shades of evening close around him."

The Blue Grosbeak is also an inhabitant of the
southern portion of the United States, but, unlike
its brother the Cardinal, is a shy, modest species, re-
tiring to the deep recesses of some secluded spot,
where the footsteps of the white man are seldom
seen. Here, by the borders of some stagnant pool,
where the poisoned fumes exhaled by decaying vege-
tation are filling the air, are the favorite haunts and
the chosen summer dwelling of this beautiful bird.
It is rarely seen north of Virginia, although individ-

THE SCARLET TANAGER. 91

uals have been obtained in New Jersey and Penn-
sylvania; southward from this it is more abundant,
extending as far as Texas. It has also been seen in
considerable numbers among the Rocky Mountains.
Its plumage much resembles that of the Indigo Bird,
but the blue upon the head and throat is much finer
and lighter. Although the nest of this bird is gener-
ally built near the ground, either in a low bush or a
tuft of rank grass, it is observed that the male, which
is possessed of a fine song, seldom or never utters
more than a monotonous chirp when near it; but,
retiring to the top of a tall detached tree, he will
there indulge for some time in a succession of melo-
dious strains.

We now present to your notice a bird which is
pre-eminently beautiful, in every sense in which the
term is applicable. This is the Scarlet Tanager.
Look at him, with his gracefully formed body clothed
in the most brilliant and glowing scarlet, and his
wings and tail of jetty black, as he sits upon a tree
with a strong light fulling upon him, or as he gam-
bols among the thick foliage, uttering his simple
plaintive note, and we shall behold one of the most
lovely and attractive objects which our feathered
world can afford. Every one should be familiar with
the habits as well as the appearance of this elegant
bird. It is widely scattered over the United States
during the~ summer months, and although seeminsr

o ' o o

to have a decided preference for the woods, it may
sometimes be seen about the farm-house and in the
orchard, where he occasionally builds his nest. This

92 INSESSORES.

is a very slight structure, formed of the dry stalks
of flax or grass, and so loosely put together that the
light may easily be seen through it. The eggs are
mostly three, of a dull blue color, spotted with brown
or purple. Scarcely anything can exceed the attach-
ment which these birds manifest for their young, as
the following incident related by Wilson will show :

" Passing through an orchard one morning, I
caught one of these young birds, that had but lately
left the nest. I carried it with me about half a mile,
to show it to my friend, Mr. William Bartrarn ; and,
having procured a cage, hung it up on one of the
large pine trees in the botanic garden, within a few
feet of the nest of an Orchard Oriole, which also
contained young; hopeful that the charity or tender-
ness of the Orioles would induce them to supply the
cravings of the stranger. But charity with them, as
with too many of the human race, began and ended
at home. The poor orphan was altogether neglected,
notwithstanding its plaintive cries; and, as it refused
to be fed by me, I was about to return it back to the
place where I had found it, when, toward the after-
noon, a Scarlet Tanager, no doubt its own parent,
was seen fluttering round the cage, endeavoring to
get in. Finding this impracticable, he flew off, and
soon returned with food in hi? bill, and continued to
feed it till after sunset, taking dp his lodgings on the
higher branches of the same tree. In the morning,
almost as soon as day broke, he was again seen most
actively engaged in the same affectionate manner;
and, notwithstanding the insolence of the Orioles,

THE AMERICAN REDSTART.

93

continued his benevolent offices the whole day, roost-
ing at night as before. On the third or fourth day,
he appeared extremely solicitous for the liberation
of his charge, using every expression of distressful
anxiety, and every call and invitation that Nature
had put in his power, for him to come out. This
was too much for the feelings of my venerable friend ;
he procured a ladder, and, mounting to the spot
where the bird was suspended, opened the cage, took
out the prisoner, and restored him to liberty and to
his parent, who, with notes of great exultation, ac-
companied his flight to the woods ! '•

The Tanager family embraces not only the Tana-
ger proper, but the American Wood Warblers. The
latter are most numerous in the Northern continent,
as the former abound in the Southern.

One of the most
beautiful and in-
teresting of the
Wood Warblers is
the American Red-
start. This gay
little bird is more
noticeable in the
early months of
Spring, when it
may be seen in
company with many
other species of its kind, nimbly flitting from tree to
tree, and from twig to twig, in search of insects, of
which it is a very expert hunter; it will sometimes

American Redstart.

94 INSESSORES.

pursue a swarm of small flies for a long distance
during which the snapping of its bill may be dis-
tinctly heard. In the deep shade of the woods the
beauty of its markings shows to great advantage ; the
jetty black, which is the predominating color, con-
trasting finely with the streaks and bands of orange
and vermilion on the sides, wings, and tail.

This bird and the little Blue-gray " Fly-catcher,"
differ slightly from the greater number of the Wood
Warblers in their more fly-catching habits. All are
diminutive birds, generally very abundant in the
Middle States early in the Spring, but mostly re-
tiring to the North clurino- Summer to rear their

O C1

young. Their principal appearance is in the morn-
ing just after sunrise, when every tree seems tenanted
with them, all actively engaged in making a morning
meal; this consists of insects and their larvae, of
which they devour great quantities. Many of them
are expert fly-catchers, nimbly darting after the pass-
ing flies, while others are equally dexterous in clam-
bering among the branches of the trees, hanging
sometimes head downward, and holding on with one
foot, and stretching their little necks in all directions
in search of a favorite worm. Although these tran-
sient visitors are, with some exceptions, nearly desti-
tute of song, yet among them are to be found some
of our most beautifully plumaged birds.

The Yellow-poll Warbler, whose shrill notes are
heard so constantly, during Spring and Summer,
from almost every grove, and not unfrequently from
the trees which surround the farm-house, and the

THE MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT 95

orange,
among

Maryland Yellow-throat, are perhaps the most famil-
iar representatives of the family. The former is clad
in a livery of brilliant golden yellow, spotted on the
sides and breast with lengthened marks of chestnut
It builds a curious nest, suspended mostly
the forked branches of a low bush in the
densest part of a thicket; it is composed of flax or
tow, which is well woven into a neat little bag, and
lined with hair or the soft down from various plants;
the whole is well fastened to the stems from which
it is hung, by the threads of tow or flax being tightly
twisted about them. While the female is sitting, the
male bird will often feign lameness, in order to draw
away the attention of an intruder from the objects
of his affectionate care.
The Maryland Yel-
low-throat is the hum-
ble and retired occu-
pant of the low bushes
and briers which are
generally found grow-
ing on the banks of
small streams and in
wet marshy places :
here it twitters out its
sweet and animated
song of " Whitit'iti !
Whitit'iti !" repeating
it in rapid succession
for a few times, as it
rambles amon^r the

Upper jig. — Yellow-poll Warbler,
branches Where its food Lower /^.—Magnolia Warbler.

96

3 N SES SORES.

is lurking. Its ambition seldom tempts it to leave the
•ucinity of the chosen spot where its nest is hung,
nor to fly much above the level of the Alder and
Hazel tops which surround its dwelling. It will,
however, sometimes stray into the fields of growing
grain, where it undoubtedly renders great service by
the destruction of a multitude of noxious insects.

Both of these little birds are selected by the fe-
male Cow Bunting as foster-parents, to whom she
commits the care of her young, by dropping her eggs
in their nests. This singular and unnatural habit,
of which we may say more in a future chapter, we
believe does not exist in any other bird but the Eu-
ropean Cuckoo, and is a curious instance of the won
derful variety to be seen everywhere in the works of
an Omnipotent Deity.

There are above twenty other species of these
lovely little birds, some of which are very conspicuous

for their beauty ;
among them are
the Blackburnian
Warbler, Hooded
Warbler, Magnolia
Warbler, Cerulean
Warbler, Cape May
Warbler, and the
MourningWarbler.
The latter is so
named in consequ-

Yellow-rumped Warbler. ence Of th 6 peculiar

markings of the head and neck, they being of a

THE WARBLERS. 97

»

beautiful leaden color, with bands of black upon the
lower part of the throat. Most of these may be seen
for a few weeks early in Spring, but it is difficult to
distinguish between them, as they often frequent the
tops of the tallest forest trees ; at other times they
have been known to enter the city, and hop about
the shrubbery of the gardens. At the most they
are only known to us as the transient occupants of
our fresh-budding groves, the cooler atmosphere of
the mountains to which they retire, being more con-
genial, and more favorable for the purposes of incu-
bation.

Closely connected with the Wood Warblers, is the
family of the true Warblers. As an illustration of
these, let us take the famous Nightingale of Europe,
whose powerful and melodious voice excites the won-
der and praise of the listener. That such a long-
continued succession of loud, clear, and musical notes
can be produced by a bird of such small dimensions,
is truly astonishing. It is no less remarkable for the
great variety in the tones than for their peculiar
clearness and melody. In order to illustrate this
point, some writer has attempted to reduce the notes
to plain English, — a copy of which we here place
before our readers :

" Tiou, tiou, tiou, tiou, — Spe, tiou, squa, — Tio,
tio, tio, tid, tio, tio, tio, tix, — Coutio, coutio, coutio,
coutio, — Squo, squo, squ6, squo, — Tzu, tzu, tzu, tzu,
tzu, tzu, tzu, tzu, tzu, tzi, — Corror, tiou, squa, pipiqui,
— Tozozozozozozozozozozozo, zirrhading ! Tsissisi,
tsissisisisisisisis, — Dzorre, dzorre, dzorre, dzorre, hi,
9 G

INSESSORES.

«

— Tzatu, tzatu, tzatu, tzatu, tzatu, tzatu, tzatu, dzi,

— Dlo, dlo, dlo, dlo, dlo, dlo, dlo, dlo, dlo, — Quio
tr-rrrrrrrr itz, — Lu, lu, lu, lu, 11, li, li; li, li^, li£, li§,
li^, — Quio didl li lulylie, — Hagur, gurr, quipio ! —
Coui, coui, coui, coui, qui, qui, qui, gui, gui, gui,
gui, — (roll, goll, goll, goll, guia hada doi, — Couigui,
horr, ha diadia dill si ! — Hezezezezezezezezezezezeze-
zezezeze cowar ho dze hoi, — Quia, quia, quia, quia,
quia, quia, quia, quia, ti, — Ki, ki, ki, io, io, io
ioioioio ki, — Lu ly li le lai la, leu Io, didl io quia, —
Kigaigaigaigaigaigaigaigai guiagaigaigai couior dzio
ctzio pi."

THE FLY-CATCHERS. 99

CHAPTER V.

INSESSORES: PASSE RES, CLAMATORES, AND

OSCINES.

TDK FLY-CATCHER — PEWEE — KING BIRD — GREAT CRESTED

FLY-CATCHER — WOOD PEWEE WREN GREAT CAROLINA

AND WINTER WREN — CHICK- A-DE-DE — BROWN CRfcEPER.

THE resemblance which exists between the Swal-
lows and the Fly-catchers, both in their formation
and some of their habits, will at once be recognized
by comparison. But differences will also be noticed
sufficient to mark them as belonging to entirely dis-
tinct families. The great powers of flight which ap-
pertain to both are differently employed. The former
seeks its insect food upon the wing, in a long-con-
tinued ramble over hill and dale, meadow and lake,
in which it seems to be more bent upon enjoying
the pleasures of the chase, than upon merely grati-
fying its appetite; while the latter contents itself
with perching upon a twig, a fence-stake, or a tall
stalk, quietly awaiting the approach of some favorite
insect, when, quick as thought, it sallies forth in pur-
suit, generally securing it in one wild sweep, and re-
turning quickly to its former stand-point, to watch
for the arrival of a fresh victim.

100 INSESSORES.

In North and South America the Fly-catchers are
replaced by a family whose habits and manners are
entirely similar, but whose structure places them in
a widely different position in the system. Their sing-
ing organs being of the more imperfect type, they
are assigned to the suborder Clamatores, while the
true Fly-catchers, like the Swallows, belong to the
Oscine suborder. These Tyrants, or Tyrant Fly-
catchers, as they are called, are abundant in almost
every section of the country ; there are few persons
who have not had the opportunity of being familiar
with the notes and appearance of many of them.

Among the first birds which cheer our hearts at
the approach of Spring, is the Pewee Fly-catcher,
his soft, sweet, and not unmusical voice often sound-
ing through the leafless grove long before the last
traces of Winter have yielded to the softening sun-
beams. The song of the Pewee is a sure and reliable
prognostic of the coming of that lovely season when
the earth again clothes herself in her beautiful gar-
ments, and the air resounds with Nature's sweetest
music. The social and familiar habits of this plain
and modest little bird, as well as his confiding trust
in man, must ever secure for him a conspicuous place
in our affections, and entitle him and his little prop-
erty to our earnest and zealous protection. This
familiarity, however, sometimes subjects him to being
made the mark of cruel and unthinking boys, who,
with that wilful propensity for throwing stones which
seems to be part of a boy's nature, are so reckless of
consequences as to tease and torment the poor little

Upper jig. — Wood Pewee. Lower /^.—Tyrant Fly-catcher, or King Bird

9* (101)

THE KINO BIRD. 103

bird, until one, more "lucky" than the rest, strikes
the deadly blow. The writer still rein-embers with
what sorrowful feelings, when a boy, he once held in
his hand the body of a Pewee, which with a random
toss of a stone he had deprived of life. Could all
children feel as he then felt, how wrong it is wan-
tonly to destroy that life which all have an equal
right to enjoy, they would cease to make sport of it,
and this charming little songster would possess to the
full that security to which he is justly entitled.

The Pewee often returns to a favorite summer re-
sort for several successive years, occupying the same
nest each season, merely repairing the injuries which
it has received during the Winter. Audubon speaks
of his having found the same pair of birds occupying
a familiar nook in an old cavern which he had been
accustomed to visit for a number of years. At one
time he fastened to the legs of each of a brood of
young birds, the offspring of this pair, a ring of sil-
ver thread ; these they carried about with them for
some time, and in the following Spring two of them
were seen in the same vicinity, still wearing the sil-
ver ring.

The King Bird, or Tyrant Fly-catcher, is also a
familiar summer visitant. Although by no means a
large bird, he is nevertheless gifted with a degree
of courage that would do justice to the largest of our
feathered race ; and being remarkably quick and ac-
tive upon the wing, he becomes a formidable enemy
to such of his neighbors as have the temerity to en-
croach upon his dominions. In the early part of the

104 INSES80RES.

Summer his jealous and quarrelsome disposition is
most apparent. While his mate is occupied with her
domestic concerns, he is ever watchful for the appear-
ance of intruders, and any attempt to be sociable is
repelled with little ceremony. The Eagle, the Hawk,
and the Crow, although greatly his superiors in size
and strength, are equally the objects of his animosity,
and no sooner does one of them make his appearance,
than our hero sallies forth to give him battle ; and
mounting above him, he darts down upon his back
with the swiftness of an arrow, and by repeated pecks
with his sharp, powerful bill, from which his less
active foe finds it difficult to escape, he soon remains
master of the field, having driven the intruder quite
out of the neighborhood. There is, however, one
bird, which, although no larger nor stronger than him-
self, has often proved too much for him ; this is the
Purple Martin. His superior quickness upon the
wing enables him to evade the sharp blows of the
King Bird's bill, and very frequently to get the mas-
tery of him and drive him off; sometimes a long and
obstinate contest between them ends in the death of
the latter.

Notwithstanding the fondness of the King Bird
for bees and sometimes for fruit, he is among the best
of the farmer's friends. No Hawk will venture near
a barn-yard while he is about, while the swarms of
noxious insects which he daily destroys, together with
other little services for which we are indebted to him,
strongly recommend him to our special care and pro-
tection.

THE WRENS. 105

The extent of country over which he roams is very
wide, reaching from Texas to Canada, and as far west
as the Columbia river. In Florida his place is sup-
plied by the Piping Fly-catcher, which he so nearly
resembles that they might by some be mistaken for
the same bird, being possessed of the same active
and courageous disposition when intruded upon by a
stranger.

We have also abounding in our woods during the
summer months the Great Crested Fly-catcher and
the Wood Pewee, the former a noisy, active fellow,
often frequenting the orchard about cherry time, the
latter a sprightly little bird about the size of a Spar-
row, whose sweet notes of " Powee ! Powee ! Peto-
way!" prolonged with a mournful accent, may be
heard from morning till evening; even during the
heated hours of noon, when most other birds are
silent, this little songster still utters his plaintive
ditty with a sweet earnestness that cannot fail to
attract attention.

We will now take up the families of the more per-
fect singing birds, though with regret that our limits
will not permit a foray into the lands of sun and
flowers, the tropical home of the lovely Cotingas,
which are represented by a few species in the south-
western regions of our country.

We will first notice the Wrens and Titmice. With
the former almost every one has some acquaintance.
There are several very beautiful species inhabiting
the country west of the Mississippi, but our know-
ledge of them is but limited. Of those further east-

106

INSESSORES.

ward we shall take some notice. Who does not love
the first sight of the House Wren, as he returns to
us after his long winter rambles in the south ? His
sweet and sprightly song is the very key-note of
Spring, speaking of cloudless skies and verdant fields,
of balmy air and music from the groves, of frolics
among the wild flowers and rambles with the butter-
flies; it speaks of love and joy and happiness among
the myriad hosts of merry choristers, who are wing-
ing their way from tropical climes to join in the
grand harmony of Nature. Let us read what Wilson
says of the Wrens :

" This well-known and familiar bird arrives in Penn-
sylvania about the middle of April, and about the

8th or 10th of May
begins to build its
nest, sometimes in
the wooden cornice
under the eaves, or
in a hollow cherry-
tree, but most com-
monly in small box-
es, fixed on the top
of a pole, in or near
the garden, to which
House Wren. he is extremely par-

tial, for the great number of caterpillars and other
larvae with which it constantly supplies him. If all
these conveniences are wanting, he will even put up
with an old hat nailed on the weather-boards, with a
small hole for entrance; and, if even this be denied

THE HOUSE WREN. 107

him, he will find some hole, corner, or crevice about
the house, barn, or stable, rather than abandon the
dwellings of man. In the month of June, a mower
hung up his coat under a shed, near a barn; two or
three days elapsed before he had occasion to put it
on again ; thrusting his arm up the sleeve, he found
it completely filled with some rubbish, as he expressed
it, and, on extracting the whole mass, found it to be
the nest of a Wren completely finished, and lined
with a large quantity of feathers. In his retreat he
was followed by the little forlorn proprietors, who
scolded him with great vehemence for thus ruining
the whole economy of their household affairs.

" This little bird has a strong antipathy to cats ;
for, having frequent occasion to glean among the cur-
rant-bushes, and other shrubbery in the garden, those
lurking enemies of the feathered race often prove
fatal to him. A box fitted up in the window of the
room where I slept, was taken possession of by a pair
of Wrens. Already the nest was built, and two eggs
laid, when one day, the window being open, as well
as the room door, the female Wren, venturing too far
into the room to reconnoitre, was sprung upon by
Grimalkin, who had planted herself there for the
purpose, and, before relief could be given, was de-
stroyed. Curious to see how the survivor would de-
mean himself, I watched him carefully for several
days. At first he sung with great vivacity for an
hour or so, but, becoming uneasy, went off for half
an hour; on his return, he chaunted again as before,
went to the top of the house, stable, weeping willow,

108 INSESSORES.

that she might hear him ; but, seeing no appearance
of her, he returned once more, visited the nest, ven-
tured cautiously into the window, gazed about with
suspicious looks, his voice sinking to a low, melan-
choly note, as he stretched his little neck about in
every direction. .Returning to the box, he seemed
for some minutes at a loss what to do, and soon after
went off, as I thought, altogether j for I saw him no
more that day. Toward the afternoon of the second
day he again made his appearance, accompanied with
a new female, who seemed exceedingly timorous and
shy, and who, after great hesitation, entered the box.
At this moment the little widower or bridegroom
seemed as if he would warble out his very life with
ecstacy of joy. After remaining about half a minute
in, they both flew off, but returned in a few minutes,
and instantly began to carry out the eggs, feathers,
and some of the sticks, supplying the place of the
two latter with materials of the same sort, and ulti-
mately succeeded in raising a brood of seven young,
all of which escaped in safety.

" Its food is insects and caterpillars, and, while
supplying the wants of its young, it destroys, on a
moderate calculation, many hundreds a day, and
greatly circumscribes the ravages of these vermin.
It is a bold and insolent bird against those of the
Titmouse and Woodpecker kind that venture to build
within its jurisdiction ; attacking them without hesi-
tation, though twice its size, and generally forcing
them to decamp. I have known him to drive a pair
of Swallows from their newly formed nest, and take

THE GREAT CAROLINA WREN.

109

immediate possession of the premises, it which his
female also laid her eggs, and reared her young.
Even the Bluebird, who claims an equal and sort of
hereditary right to the box in the garden, when at-
tacked by this little impertinent, soon relinquishes
the contest, the mild placidness of his disposition not
being a match for the fiery impetuosity of his little
antagonist. With those of his own species who settle
and build near him, he has frequent squabbles ; and
when their respective females are sitting, each strains
his whole powers of song to excel the other."

The Great Carolina
"Wren and the Win-
ter Wren are also,
both of them, lovely
and interesting birds.
The former frequents
the banks of streams,
shaded by thickly \,
overhanging foliage,
where it may be dis-
tinguished by its
clear, musical note,
resembling the words
Sweet William, Sweet
William, uttered in
rapid succession, with
an occasional inter-
lude of " Chirr-up, Chirr-up." It may also be found
frequenting damp rocky caves, and among old piles
of rotten timber, where it picks up the larvae of many
10

Great Carolina Wren.

110

IN SESSORES.

a hurtful insect. The Winter Wren visits us in
Pennsylvania from the north, just as the House Wren
has left us for its tropical home. It sometimes passes
the entire winter in the Middle States, where it may
be seen hopping about the wood-piles and the fallen
and decayed trunks of trees, with its tail erect, busy-
ing itself in singing its musical ditty, and picking
up the bugs that may be lurking in the crevices of
the bark. It disappears again early in Spring, and
passes to the northward in company with the Snow
Birds.

The Titmouse, like
its cousin the Wren,
is an active, cunning
little creature, ever on
the go, hop, skip, and
jump, from branch to
branch, head down
or head up, as is most
convenient, inces-
santly prying into the
private affairs of the
insect world, often
laying waste the pros-
pects of a promising
family with one stroke
of its bill; and hunt-
ing up the vermin
with such untiring
industry as fairly to win for him a conspicuous place
among the farmer's friends. There are two species

Upper jig. — Crested Titmouse.
Lower Jig. — Black-capped Titmouse.

THE TITMOUSE. Ill

with which we are familiar; the Black-capped Tit-
mouse, or Chick-a-de-de, and the Crested Titmouse.
They are both constant residents in the Middle States,
Summer and Winter; but it is during the severity of
Winter that we are most accustomed to their appear-
ance. They then assemble in small troops with the
Snow Birds and the little Spotted Woodpecker, and
entering the orchard, or the trees around the house,
they soon make themselves known by their incessant
chatter, and great activity in chasing each other from
tree to tree. The notes of the former, when thus
engaged, are very rapid, and uttered with considera-
ble energy, bearing some resemblance to the words
" See, see, sweet, sevait, chick, chick-a-de-de." The
latter has, in addition to his lively twitter, a loud
whistle, which may be heard for hours together, re-
peated at intervals as though calling a dog. These
little birds are apt to build their nests in the de-
serted hole of a Woodpecker ; but frequently, when
none such are to be found, they will work with great
perseverance until they have made one for them-
selves, even picking their way into the trunk or
branches of some of our hardest wooded trees. As-
sociated with them may often be seen the Brown
Creeper, a plain, modest, unassuming little fellow,
whose utmost ambition seems to be to fill its stomach
with the dainty little morsels which it picks out from
the crevices and holes in the trees with its long sharp
bill

112 INSESSORES.

CHAPTER VI.

INSESSOKES: SYNDAGTYLI.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NIGHT HAWK — WHIP-POOR-WILL —
CHUCK- WILLS-WIDOW — BARN AND CHIMNEY SWALLOWS —
ANECDOTE BY AUDUBON — PURPLE MARTIN — EDIBLE SWAL-
LOW'S NEST.

IT is extremely interesting, in the study of Birds,
to notice the connection which exists between tribes
as well as species. We have spoken of the Hawk
Owl as possessing peculiarities of form and habits
belonging to two distinct families; we will now no-
tice other instances which are no less remarkable in
this respect. In the Night Hawk, the Whip-poor-
will, and the Chuck-wills-widow, we observe the soft
downy plumage and the muffled wings of the Owl,
as well as its nocturnal habits, combined in many
prominent points with the general structure of the
Swallow. The wide mouth, the small sharp bill,
slightly hooked, the short legs and small feet, the
long sharp wing and wide expanding tail. With the
Owls ends the division Raptores, and with the Night
Hawk, etc., commences the order of Insessores.

The habits of the three birds above-named are ex-
tremely interesting. With the Night Hawk we are
most familiar, as it is quite abundant everywhere,
from Maine to South Carolina, and westward to the

THE NIGHT HAWK. 113

Rocky Mountains. The name of this bird is in
singular disagreement with its most marked charac-
teristics, it being generally seen upon the wing in
broad day, often when the sun is shining brilliantly,
and mostly retiring to rest soon after dusk. It may
frequently be seen flying over the steeples and tall
chimneys of our most densely populated cities, and
sometimes builds its nest upon the house-top. Its food
consists of large insects, which it procures upon the
wing. When engaged in their pursuit, its motions
are very graceful and interesting, and as it glides
around in endless gyrations, flinging itself with the
most careless ease upon the bosom of every gale, now
rising, and now, like an arrow, dropping on its prey,
at intervals uttering a shrill scream, then darting off
in a wild zigzag course, snapping up every insect that
comes within its reach, its actions maybe followed by
the eye with no small degree of pleasure.

In Louisiana it makes its appearance from the
south early in the Spring ; here it spends several
weeks of the time occupied in its migrations, and is
seen sailing over the cotton and sugar plantations,
picking up here and there an unlucky beetle, or
gambolling wildly over the prairies, lakes, and rivers
from morning until evening.

There is probably no other bird, except the Swal-
low, which can rival the Night Hawk in the beauty
and ease of its aerial motions, abounding as they do
in feats of the most wonderful agility. Sometimes it
will raise itself several hundred feet in the most
careless manner, crying louder and louder as it as-
10* H

114 INSESSORES.

cends, then instantly it will glide obliquely downward
with astonishing rapidity, until within a few feet of
the ground, when, with the quickness of thought, it
expands its wings and tail to the utmost, thus check-
ing its downward course, and darting off with won-
derful swiftness for a short space, mounts again al-
most perpendicularly. So great is the muscular power
of its wing, that these evolutions are continued for
hours almost without rest.

While the Night Hawk seems to be very generally
distributed over the territory of the United States
lying north of Louisiana, the Whip-poor-will and
Chuck-wills-widow are confined to much narrower
limits, — the former not extending its migrations
much north of New York and the southern parts of
Maine, and the latter seldom being seen north of
Virginia.

By some the Whip-poor-will has been confounded
with the Night Hawk, but the difference in their
habits marks them as distinct species ; the fact that
the latter retires to its roosting-place just as the for-
mer is emerging from its seclusion, may have led
some careless observers to conclude they were the
same. The Whip-poor-will is strictly a nocturnal
bird, never appearing abroad by daylight except when
forced by circumstances; but no sooner has the sun
disappeared behind the western hills, and the shades
of evening have closed around the thicket which
gives it cover by day, than it bestirs itself, and peeps
out upon the dim landscape over which the pale moon
is casting a feeble glare. It is then that its sweet

THE CHUCK -WILLS- WIDOW.

115

and sprightly notes are heard echoing upon the still
air, "Whip-poor-will! whip-poor-will!" repeated in
rapid succession for some minutes together. Then
with a few wild sweeps through the air upon its noise-
less wing, in pursuit of its insect prey, it alights per-
haps upon the fence or wood-pile, or even upon the
roof of the house, and again utters its soft but clear
cry with great animation. Those who have listened
to the song of this bird, flowing like a liquid stream
of melody, can alone judge of the soothing and
quieting influence which it possesses.

Chuck-wills-widow.

The habits of the Chuck- wills-widow are very sim-
ilar to those of the Whip-poor-will, and are equally
interesting. In the pine forests of South Carolina it

116 INSESSORES.

is abundant, where its familiar and oft-repeated cry
of " Chuck-wills-widow ! " is kept up during a great
part of the night. It is impossible to find language
to convey a just idea of the impression which the
notes of this bird produce upon the mind. Imagine
ourselves in the midst of a southern forest; tall pines,
interspersed with oaks and other forest trees, occupy
the ground for many miles around, covering it with
a broad canopy of shade, with here and there a wide
opening vista, through which the light may penetrate.
The sultry air is beginning to feel the cooling effects
of the falling dew, — the sun has long since sunk to
his rest, — the tree-tops wave gently in the twilight
gale, — the feathered songsters that have tenanted the
air during the long day have retired to their nests, —
the bee hums no more with her busy wing, and all
Nature is seemingly gathered into a sweet repose,
over which the quiet moon reigns with a serene ma-
jesty. This lull, however, is but temporary, an in-
terregnum between the dominion of day and the em-
pire of night; soon the screams of the wild-cat are
heard in the distance, as she sallies forth in quest of
her evening meal ; the hooting of some monstrous
owl, that sails like a dim spectre overhead, salutes
the ear ; frogs, lizards, and other reptiles are hopping,
skipping, and jumping about our feet; the whole air
becomes tenanted with a numerous insect life; and
a mingled chorus of hum, buzz, and chirp, every-
where prevails. We pause at one of the beautifully
expanded vistas, through which the full-orbed moon
gently darts her silvery beams, and gaze in silent

THE SWALLOWS. 117

admiration upon the beauty of the scene ; suddenly
a swift-winged, noiseless phantom sails across our
track, and alights upon a tree near by; it is then
that we will listen to one of the most singular notes
that is heard by night. Even the soft, full-toned,
and richly varied song of the Mocking Bird, with
which it is often blended, cannot drown the sweetly
cadenced voice of this plain and unobtrusive bird, as
he sits and "Chucks" and u Chuck-wills-widow'3
away, during the live-long night.

The unmeaning name of Goat-sucker has been ap-
plied to various members of this family of birds, the
ignorant inhabitants of the countries where they are
found supposing that they sacked the milk from
their flocks, which is not only improbable, but alto-
gether absurd. There are many species found in
various parts of the world, some of them being quite
large, and some not less noisy. Upon these last has
been bestowed the appropriate name of Night Jars.

Of the myriads of winged visitors which annually
flock to our shores from the south, there is perhaps
no more interesting and familiar species than the
Swallows. With what pleasant and happy recollec-
tions is their arrival associated ! Spring, with all its
attendant beauty, follows hard in the track of these
little aerial voyagers ; and the bright flowers whose
half-expanded buds have lain almost concealed be-
neath the lingering snows, only await the gentle fan-
ning of their wings to open into bloom.

Every farmer's child, and almost every school-boy
in town or country, is at home among the Swallows ;

118

INSESSORES.

they are associated with his earliest recollections ; he
may forget the dull pages that months of painful
study have scarcely fixed upon his memory; but the
appearance of the Barn Swallow, his easy, skimming,
graceful flight, as he darts over the meadow, the lake,
or the stream, his sprightly twittering note, and his
nest under the barn roof, are things which he cannot
forget.

The Barn and Chimney Swallows are by some
ignorant persons thought to be the same bird ; but a

wide difference exists
between them, both
as to their appear-
_ ance and habits. The
plumage of the for-
mer is beautifully va-
ried with a brilliant
and glossy blue-black
on the upper parts,
and a rich fawn ot
drab color below; the
tail being deeply
Bam Swallow. forked, with the two

outer feathers nearly double the length of the others ;
while the latter is wholly of a plain mouse or slate
color, with the tail nearly even, and each feather
ending in a sharp point.*

* The differences between the Chimney and Barn Swal-
,ows are greater and more important than our author him-
Belf appears to have been aware of. The Chimney Bird is
a Swift, and belongs to a family of Syndactyli near the

THE CHIMNEY SWALLOW. 119

The Chimney Swallows, when performing r,heir
migrations, often assemble to the number of several
thousands, and take possession of the trunk of some
venerable tree which has been hollowed out either
by fire or by natural decay. Here they will continue
to roost for many nights in succession before dis-
persing to the various parts of the country where
they are accustomed to breed. Audubon thus de-
scribes a rendezvous of this kind which was tenanted
by about 8000 or 9000 Swallows at one time :

" Immediately after my arrival at Louisville in the
State of Kentucky, I became acquainted with the
late hospitable and amiable Major William Croghan
and his family. While talking one day about birds,
he asked me if I had seen the trees in which the
Swallows were supposed to spend the winter, but
which they only entered, he said, for the purpose of
roosting. Answering in the affirmative, I was in-
formed that on my way back to town, there was a
tree remarkable on account of the immense numbers
that resorted to it, and the place in which it stood
was described to me. I found it to be a sycamore,
nearly destitute of branches, sixty or seventy feet
hio-h, between seven and eight feet in diameter at

O / <— '

the base, and about five for the distance of forty feet
up, where the stump of a broken hollowed branch,
about two feet in diameter, made out from the main

Night Hawks. The true place of the Swallows is not in the
present Chapter, but near the Tanagers, in Chapter IV. They
belong to the singing division (Oscines) of the order Pas-
seres. E. D C.

120 INSESSORES.

stem. This was the place at which the Swallows en-
tered. On closely examining the tree, I found it
hard, but hollow to near the roots. It was now about
four o'clock in the afternoon, in the month of July.
Swallows were flying over Jeffersonville, Louisville,
and the woods around, but there were none near the
tree. I proceeded home, and shortly after returned
on foot. The sun was going down behind the Silver
Hills; the evening was beautiful; thousands of
Swallows were flying closely above me ; and three or
four at a time were pitching into the hole, like bees
hurrying into their hive. I remained, my head lean-
ing on the tree, listening to the roaring noise made
within by the birds as they settled and arranged
themselves, until it was quite dark, when I left the
place, although I was convinced that many more had
to enter. I did not pretend to count them, for the
number was too great, and the birds rushed to the
entrance so thick as to baffle the attempt.

" Next morning I was early enough to reach the
place long before the least appearance of daylight,
and placed my head against the tree. All was silent
within. I remained in that posture probably twenty
minutes, when suddenly I thought the great tree was
giving way, and coming down upon me. Instinc-
tively I sprung from it; but when I looked up to it
again, what was my astonishment to see it standing
as firm as ever. The Swallows were now pouring out
in a black, continuous stream. I ran back to my post,
and listened in amazement to the noise within, which
I could compare to nothing else than the sound of a

THE CHIMNEY SWALLOW. 121

large wheel revolving under a powerful stream. It
was yet dusky, so that I could hardly see the hour
on my watch ; but I estimated the time which they
took in getting out at more than thirty minutes.
After their departure, no noise was heard within,
and they dispersed in every direction with the quick-
ness of thought."*

* The Swallows are undoubtedly sociable creatures,
seeming disposed at least to be neighborly, and often, when
unmolested, manifesting an inclination to live upon terms
of intimacy with us which are sometimes inconveniently
familiar. Scarcely a farm-house exists but whose chimneys
are appropriated to the summer occupancy of one or more
families of Swifts.

Some years ago, at a nobleman's house in Scotland, a
pair of Swallows built their nest upon the top bar of a
clothes-screen which was hung against the wall in the por-
ter's lodge; the young were hatched and flew away. Upon
the first appearance of the Swallows the following year, a
male bird again entered the apartment and surveyed the
premises. Having satisfied himself, he went off, but soon
returned with a companion, which at first appeared very
shy and timid, but in a short time acquired as much assur-
ance as ite mate. They both forthwith set about building
a new nest on a small ledge which had been prepared for
them as near as possible to the place where that on the
clothes-screen had been built, and which had been de-
stroyed ; as, while it remained, the screen was of course
useless to the family.

In this nest three broods were reared as before, notwith-
standing the almost constant presence of the porter and his
wife, who lived and slept in the room. In the Spring of the
third year, the male again made his appearance with an-
other mate, evidently much younger than her predecessor.

11

122 INSESSORES.

There are some species of Swallows which are re-
markable for the beauty of their plumage, as well as
for the gracefulness of their flight. The Violet Green
Swallow and the White-bellied Swallow, — the former
an inhabitant of the Rocky Mountains, and the latter
quite an abundant species in the Eastern and Middle
States, — are both entitled to a high rank among our
gay-plumaged birds. We have also the Purple Mar-
tin, a very familiar and welcome bird in the Spring.
When seen at a distance, it appears to be wholly
black, but upon closer inspection it will be found to
glisten all over with the most pleasing metallic hues,
changing from blue to green, and from violet to
golden purple, according to the position in which it
is seen.

The Swallows possess undoubtedly greater powers
of wing than any other birds. The space passed over
in a few minutes by one of these little fairies is as-
tonishing. Take for instance the Barn Swallow, and
endeavor to follow him with the eye through all his
curves and zigzag lines, as he darts about over some
new-mown field ; so rapid are his movements, that
the keenest and quickest vision is often baffled in the
attempt to retain its hold upon him, — and yet he flits
on untiringly, mounting and falling, skimming and
sailing, until the eye tires of his endless circuit.

The old nest on the ledge was examined, but the young
partner possibly desiring a new home, the clothes-screen,
which was hanging in the same position it had occupied the
first year, was selected for the nest, and soon the process
of hatching and rearing the first brood was in progress.

THE NEST OP THE SWALLOW. 123

Wilson, upon whose accuracy of observation we can
safely rely, considers one mile in a minute as a true
estimate of the ordinary speed of this bird ; and upon
this he bases a calculation to show over what extent
of ground in a straight line our little friend would
glide during his short life, allowing ten hours of each
day as the time occupied by the bird in performing
his evolutions. According to this estimate, he will,
during the ten years of his existence, have passed
over the incredible space of 2,190,000 miles, or 87
times the circumference of the globe.

The form of the nest built by the different species
of Swallow varies much. "We are all familiar with
the frail tenement of sticks in which the Chimney
Bird deposits her snow-white eggs, and the neat and
comfortable nest of the Barn Swallow, which it
perches upon a projecting rafter near the peak of the
barn. But the nest of the Cliff Swallow is of re-
markable construction, being shaped like a gourd
with a neck, and is composed of little pellets of mud,
deposited by the bird one after another, until the
required shape and size are attained. These nests
are generally attached to the sides of a rock or pro-
jecting cliff, or to the walls of a building, sometimes
as many as hundreds together. Their thus congre-
gating and living in flocks or families has given
them in some localities the name of Republican
Swallows.

In the islands of Java and Ceylon, and many
othera adjacent, is found a species called the Edible

124 INSESSORES.

Swallow, from the fact that their nests form an arti-
cle of food very highly prized by the Chinese epi-
cures. These nests are regarded as a great delicacy,
and are so much in esteem that the finest of them,
it is said, will bring their weight in silver. They
form a very important article of trade, as about
thirty thousand tons of Chinese shipping are em-
ployed in it. The income arising from this singular
traffic is appropriated by the government as one of
its revenues.

The following interesting account of the habits of
these birds, and the method of obtaining the nests,
is from Stanley's " Familiar History of Birds/'
"The two bird-mountains [in the island of Java]
are insulated rocks, hollow within and pierced with
a great number of openings. Many of these open-
ings are so wide, that a person can enter them with
ease; others are attended with more difficulty, and
some are too small to admit of intrusion ; in these,
therefore, the poor little birds are alone safe from
robbery. To the walls of these caverns the birds
affix their small nests in regular rows, and so close
that for the most part they adhere together. They
construct them at different heights, from fifty to sixty
feet, sometimes higher, sometimes lower, according
as they find room ; and no hole or convenient place,
if dry and clean, is left unoccupied ; but if the walls
be in the least wet or moist, they immediately desert
them. At daybreak these bird^ fly abroad from their
holes, with a loud fluttering noise, and in the dry

THE EDIBLE SWALLOW. 125

season rise so high into the atmosphere in a moment,
as they have to seek their food in distant parts, that
they are soon out of sight. In the rainy season, on
the other hand, they never remove to a great distance
from their breeding-places.

" About four in the afternoon they again return,
and confine themselves so closely to their holes, that
none of them are seen any more flying, either out or
in, but those which are hatching. They feed on all
sorts of insects which hover over stagnant waters,
and these they easily catch, as they can extend their
bills to a great width. They prepare their nests from
the strongest remains of the food which they use,
and not of the scum of the sea, or of sea plants, as
some persons have supposed. They employ two
months in preparing their nests ; they then lay their
eggs, on which they sit for fifteen or sixteen days.
As soon as the young are fledged, people begin to
collect their nests, which is done regularly every four
months ; and this forms the harvest of the proprie-
tors of these rocks.

" The business of taking them down from the
rocky ledges on which they are placed, is performed
by men who have been accustomed from their youth
to climb among these dangerous places. They con-
struct ladders of reeds and bamboos, by which they
are enabled to ascend to the holes; but if the cav-
erns are too deep they employ ship-ropes. When
they have got to the bottom of a cavern, they place
bamboos, with notches in them, against the wall, if
11*

126 INSESSORES.

these be sufficiently long to reach the nests, but if
not they stand on the ladders, and pull the nests
down with poles of bamboo made for that purpose.
This employment, which is very dangerous, sacrifices
the lives of many men, and particularly of thieves,
while attempting to rob the caverns at improper

seasons."

THE BELTED KINGFISHER. 127

CHAPTER VII.

INSESSORES: SYNDACTYLI AND ZYGODAOTYLI.

BELTED KINGFISHER — CALIFORNIA AND RED-HEADED WOOD-
PECKERS— A NARRATIVE OF THE CALIFORNIA WOODPECKER,
BY "KELLET" — IVORY-BILLED, GOLDEN-WING, TELLOW-
BELLIED, AND DOWNY WOODPECKERS — CUCKOO — PARROTS
— ANECDOTE OP A PARROT, FROM GOSSfi's "NATURAL HIS-
TORY OF BIRDS."

BY the banks of some quiet, running stream, or
smooth, and glassy mill-pond, where the Willow, Ha-
zel and other shrubs dip their branches into the
sleeping waters, may often be heard a shrill, chatter-
ing note, much resembling the sound of the watch-
man's rattle, which falls with pleasing effect upon
the ear, as it gently dies away in the distance. This
is the note of the Belted Kingfisher, which our pres-
ence has just started from his perch near by. He
flies some distance up or down the stream, where he
selects a fresh stand-point, from which he intently
eyes the motions of the finny tribes below, until one
suited to his taste comes within the range of his
deadly aim, when with a sudden winding sweep he
darts below the surface, and seizing it with his pow-
erful bill, bears it away to his perch, and immediately
swallows it whole.

This singular and not inelegant bird is a lone rep-

128

INSESSORES.

resentative of its tribe in the United States; but
being abundant wherever fresh water and good fish-
ing are to be found, it has become quite familiar,
occupying as prominent a place in our Natural His-
tory, as the pretty little European species does in the
rural landscapes of Great Britain. The form and

Belted Kingfisher.

appearance of the Kingfisher are peculiar. A long,
sharp, and powerful bill ; a large head, surmounted
by a crest that adds fierceness to its look; a thick
neck and robust body, but rather small in proportion;
wings ample ; legs very short, and feet small. The
upper parts of the plumage are bluish lead color,
lower parts mostly white; in the male a band of black
crosses the upper part of the breast ; in the female
the blue tint is not so perceptible, and the band
across the breast is reddish brown, the belly being
girted with a broad belt of the same color.

Its favorite places of resort are near inland streams,

Carolina Parrots or Parrakeets.

I (129)

THE WOODPECKERS. 131

lakes, and mill-ponds, especially where a clayey or
gravelly bank rises to some height above the water's
edge ; here the male and female assist each other in
digging out a hole, running horizontally to the depth
of four or five feet, and about one or two feet below
the surface of the ground. This hole, which is just
large enough to admit the body of the bird, is widened
toward the extremity into an oven-shaped apartment,
of sufficient size to allow of the birds turning freely
about; here the nest, which is composed of a few
sticks and feathers, is placed. The female mostly
lays six pure white eggs, which she hatches in about
sixteen days, the male taking his turn with his mate
in the process of incubation. To this hole the same
pair will sometimes resort for many successive years.
We will now endeavor briefly to describe some of
the most prominent and familiar members of the in-
teresting, numerous, and widely spread family of the
Woodpeckers. With them commences the fourth
order, Scansores or Zygodactyli, the Climbers. If
we examine closely, we will find that the peculiarities
of conformation of this order are very marked, and
display in a wonderful degree the wisdom of the Crea-
tor in supplying His creatures with means precisely
adapted to their wants. The food of the Woodpecker
consists principally of insects and their eggs, which
are deposited beneath the bark of decayed trees. In
order to obtain these, it is gifted with a large, heavy
looking, hammer-shaped head, and rather a long,
sharp-pointed, and powerful bill, with which it strips
away the bark by repeated blows, until it has uncov-

132 INSESSORES.

ered thet»6ject of its search. Sometimes the insecta
have hollowed out for themselves a cavity beneath
the bark, extending for some distance into the wood
of the tree. These it dislodges by means of its
long tongue, which is barbed at the extremity, and
capable of being protruded to a great distance beyond
the point of the beak. The tongue is supported by
a series of small bones and cartilages, which find
their origin upon the forehead on each side of the
base of the bill. At first they lie pretty close to-
gether, but soon separate gradually, each passing
round the back part of the head, and entering the
mouth immediately below the ear, come together at
a point near the base of the bill. That part of the
tongue which lies between this point and the end of
the bill, is of a fleshy, worm-like appearance, and
ends in a slender, bony point, armed on either side
with sharp prickles, directed backward, but not capa-
ble of being moved forward. This barbed point is
particularly serviceable in drawing out from their
close concealment the heavy larvae, which sometimes
measure two or three inches in length.

The protrusion of the tongue is produced by the
action of a pair of muscles, secured to the lower jaw
near the base of the lower mandible, and running
backward nearly the entire length of the bony pro-
cess of the tongue. The position of the different
parts, and the singular structure of this important
member, will be better understood by reference to
the figure on the next page. With the bill it also
digs out of the solid wood a hole in which to raise

THE WOODPECKERS. 133

its young; these holes vary in depth, according to
circumstances, from six inches to nearly three feet.
In its usually upright position against the body of
the tree, it must necessarily lie pretty close in order
to work to advantage ; hence the legs are short and
muscular, and the toes, which are arranged two hefore
and two behind, are well calculated to take a firm
hold upon the bark and retain it for a long time.
This upright position of the body is also more stead-
ily maintained by the assistance of the tail, which is
somewhat wedge-shaped, the more central feathers
being more rigid, and having the shafts very thick,
and stout, and sharp pointed, which, when placed
against the trunk of the tree, serve as a support. The
flight of the Woodpeckers is also singular, consisting
of a frequent repetition of a few rapid and powerful
strokes of the wings, which produce an undulating
motion through the air, the body rising and falling
with the alternate opening and closing of the wings.
They are sprightly and active in their motions, alight-
ing upon a tree and moving around the whole circum-
ference, backvjard and forward, or ascending spirally
12

134

IN SESSORES.

by a series of short leaps, occasionally stopping to
give a few raps, to discover the lurking-places of in-
sects beneath the bark ; then on he goes, here and
there picking up a dainty morsel, until being satis-
fied that he has done with the tree, he passes to
another.

The United States are particularly favored in pos-
sessing a large number of species of this beautiful

tribe. The Califor-
nia Woodpecker is
justly celebrated for
the richness of its
plumage, as well as
for some of its sin-
gular habits. We
do not know of any
other species that
is so provident as
to lay up stores for
the winter. This
propensity has been
attributed to several
others, but in the
bird before us we
Woodpeckers. have positive evi-

dence to that effect from those who have witnessed
its operations. The following interesting narrative,
taken from Kelley's " Excursion to California/' will
throw some light upon the subject:

" In stripping off the bark of -this tree, I observed
it to be perforated with holes, larger than those which

THE CALIFORNIA WOODPECKER. 135

a inusket ball would make, shaped with the most ac-
curate precision, as if bored under the guidance of a
rule and compass, and many of them filled most
neatly with acorns. Earlier in the season I had re-
marked such holes in most of all the soft timber, but
imagining that they were caused by wood insects, I
did not stop to examine or inquire ; but now finding
them studded with acorns, firmly fixed in, which I
knew could not have been driven there by the wind,
I sought for an explanation, which was practically

given me by Captain S 's pointing out a flock of

Woodpeckers, busily and noisily employed in the
provident task of securing the winter's provision.
For it appears that this sagacious bird is not all the
time thriftlessly engaged in ( tapping the hollow
beech tree' for the mere idle purpose of empty sound,
but spends its summer season in picking these holes,
in which it lays its store of food for the winter, where
the elements can neither affect nor place it beyond
their reach : and it is regarded as a sure omen that

/ O

the snowy period is approaching, when these birds
commence stowing away their acorns, which other-
wise might be covered by its fall. I have frequently
paused from my chopping, to watch them in the
neighborhood, with the acorns in their bills, half
clawing, half flying around the tree, and have ad-
mired the adroitness with which they tried it at dif-
ferent holes until they found one of its exact calibre,
when, inserting the pointed end, they tapped it home
most artistically with the beak, and flew down for
another.

136 INSESSORES.

"But the natural instinct of this bird is even more
remarkable in the choice of the nuts, which are in-
variably found to be sound, whereas it is an utter
impossibility, in selecting them for roasting, to pick
up a batch that will not have a large portion of them
unfit for use, the most smooth and polished frequently
containing a large grub generated within. Even the
wily Digger Indian, with all his craft and experience,
is unable to arrive at anything like an unerring selec-
tion, while in a large bagful that we took from the
bark of our log, there was not one containing the
slightest germ of decay."

This Woodpecker appears to be very abundant,
occupying a corresponding position with the well-
known Red-headed species so common to the east-
ward. They also somewhat resemble each other in
their plumage, the preponderating colors in both be-
ing black, white, and crimson.

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is the largest species
found within our territory, measuring twenty-one
inches in length. It is an inhabitant of the Southern
and Western States, and notwithstanding its some-
what awkward look, is certainly a noble and majestic
bird. Spurning the low occupation of seeking his
food among stunted trees and bushes, or upon pros-
trate logs and fence-rails, he leaves this humble game
to the smaller fry of his tribe, and spreads his ample
wings among the tall cypress and pines which cover
vast areas of swampy ground in the Southern States.
Here, amidst the security of these almost inaccessi-
ble forests, he regales himself upon the myriads of

THE IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER. 137

insects which ever infest those noble trees. Wilson
says that, " Wherever he frequents, he leaves numer-
ous monuments of his industry behind him. We
there see enormous pine trees, with cart-loads of bark
lying around their roots, and chips of the trunk it-
self, in such quantities as to suggest the idea that
half a dozen axe-men had been at work there for the
whole morning."

The same author relates the following amusing ac-
count of one of these birds which he had captured
in a wounded condition, and carried with him for
some distance. " This bird was only wounded slightly
in the wing, and on being caught, uttered a loudly
reiterated and most piteous note, exactly resembling
the violent crying of a young child, which terrified
my horse so, as nearly to have cost me my life. It
was distressing to hear it. I carried it with me in
the chair, under cover, to Wilmington, N. C. In
passing through the streets, its affecting cries sur-
prised every one within hearing, particularly the
females, who hurried to the doors and windows with
looks of alarm and anxiety. I drove on, and on ar-
riving at the piazza of the hotel where I intended to
put up, the landlord came forward, and a number of
other persons who happened to be there, all equally
alarmed at what they heard. This was greatly in-
creased by my asking whether he could furnish me
with accommodations for myself and my baby. The
man looked blank and foolish, while the others stared
with still greater astonishment. After diverting
myself for a minute or two at their expense, I drew
12*

138 INSESSORES.

iny Woodpecker from under the cover, and a general
laugh took place."

The head of this bird is ornamented with a crest
of long flowing plumes, which, upon the forehead,
are jetty black, while those of the hinder part are a
brilliant crimson ; the remainder of the plumage is
mostly black, with slight reflections of blue. A white
stripe, commencing at the ear, runs down each side
of the neck, and half way down the back. The sec-
ondary quills in the wings, as well as a part of the
primaries, are also white.

Some of the most familiar species to the north and
eastward are the Red-headed Woodpecker, Golden-
winged Woodpecker, or Flicker, Yellow-bellied Wood-
pecker, and the Downy Woodpecker, or Sap-sucker.
Of these, the Red-headed Woodpecker may be con-
sidered as the most richly colored, displaying in its
plumage one of the finest contrasts that could well
be formed. The whole head and upper part of the
neck are of a deep crimson, set off below by pure
white, and above by a glossy steel blue. The second-
ary quills in the wings, and a broad band across the
rump, are also white. The beauty of this bird ren-
ders him an attractive mark for the sportsman, for
which reason the species appears to be on the de-
crease, and we fear that the day is not far distant
when it will be numbered among our scarce birds.

Although the Red-heads undoubtedly do great
service to the farmer in ridding his orchard and
forest trees of a great number of insects, yet we can-
not conceal the fact that their indulging in a fond-

THE RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. 139

ness for fruit and green corn has given them a repu-
tation anything but enviable. The finest and ripest
of the fruit are generally selected to gratify their
desires ; and so keen is their relish for the early pro-
ductions of the orchard, that a well-loaded cherry-
tree will sometimes be entirely stripped of its cher-
ries before the owner has fairly tasted them. The
pear and the apple-tree are equally the objects of
their regard ; and should one be molested during his
depredations upon these, he will coolly thrust his bill
into as fine an apple or pear as he can, and bear it
away in his flight to the woods. Much of the mis-
chief which is done to the young corn, which is at-
tributed to the Blackbirds, is undoubtedly the work
of this Woodpecker, as he will strip off the husk
from the ear almost in a twinkling, and regale himself
at leisure with its juicy contents. These depreda-
tions are, however, more the exception than the rule ;
his natural food is insects, and the amount of these
which he annually destroys, will more than compen-
sate for the fruit and corn with which he varies his
diet. We would, therefore, recommend him to the
protection of every one. He is a bright, sprightly,
and attractive companion during our country strolls,
and cannot fail to afford us pleasure wherever we
meet him.

The Golden-winged Woodpecker, or Flicker, as
he is commonly called, although not so conspicuous
for his beauty as the preceding, is nevertheless a
handsome and showy bird. The upper parts of the
plumage are dull bluish-grey upon the head, shading

140

IN SESSORES.

into drab on the back, where it is crossed by bars of
black, caused by each feather having a crescent-
shaped mark of that
color near its extrem-
ity; the rump and
upper tail coverts are
nearly white, a band
of bright vermilion
runs from ear to ear
around the hinder
part of the head.
The throat and upper
part of the neck are
reddish - fawn, ex-
tending to a broad
band of black which
crosses the breast ;
below this it is dull
Golden-winged Woodpecker. fawn, shading gra-

dually into white on the under tail coverts, and
variously marked with spots and bars of black. But
the chief beauty of the bird consists in the color of
the under surface of the wings and tail, which is a
rich golden-yellow. In consequence of this being
mostly concealed, his general appearance is rather
plain and homely.

By some, the Woodpeckers have been regarded as
dull, sleepy birds, possessed of but little animation
or activity ; but let such go to the woods and watch
the motions of the Flicker as he gambols through
the leafy bowers ; see how he revels in the delight

THE GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. 141

of Spring, ever on the go, uttering at frequent inter-
vals his loud, clear, and not unpleasant cry. See with
what assiduous devotion he and his mate assist each
other in picking a hole into the solid heart of some
sturdy oak ; listen to the strokes of their bills ; see
the chips how they fly, and then call them sleepy
birds. And when the cares of a brood are devolving
upon them, they ply their busy bills with renewed
activity, searching every nook and cranny that comes
in their way for the daintiest worms, which they bear
away to their young. See one of these birds when
pursued by a Hawk ; just as he is almost within the
talons of his rapacious foe, he suddenly dives into a
hole near by, or in the absence of this, he alights
upon a tree and plays bo-peep with his enemy around
its trunk. It is truly laughable to see how he dodges
his pursuer, and you would wonder at the Hawk for
wasting his time over such nimble game.

Westward of the Rocky Mountains there is a
Woodpecker found almost precisely similar to the
above, except that the under surface of the wings
and tail are orange-red, the shafts of each feather
being bright vermilion.

We must here reluctantly close our observations
on this interesting group, leaving it to our readers to
pursue the study, as inclination leads them, among
the wild woods, where they will find some of the spe-
cies abundant at all seasons of the year.

The Cuckoo, although not strictly a climbing bird,
belongs to the same order as the Woodpeckers, the
arrangement of the toes and other characteristics

142

INSESSORES.

assigning to it that position. We have several spe-
cies in the United States, the most abundant being
the Yellow- billed Cuckoo. This graceful and familiar
bird, being of somewhat a quiet and retiring dispo-
sition, frequents the most secluded and thickest part
of the woods, where its low and simple notes of
" Cowe, cowe, coo, coo, coo," may be heard, uttered
at first slowly, but gradually increasing in rapidity
until the syllables run together. When it becomes
more clamorous than usual, it is said to be a sign of
approaching rain, which in some places has conferred

Cuckoo.

upon it the title of Rain Crow. The Cuckoos of
America, unlike their European relative, invariably
build their own nests and rear their own young, and
do not seem to be lacking in the least degree in a
strong affection for their progeny. The species now
before us has been accused of sucking the eggs of

THE PARROTS. 143

other birds, which we regret to say does not appear
to be an unjust charge; in other respects he certainly
bears a good character as a quiet and harmless bird,
rendering good service to the farmer by the daily
destruction of a great amount of noxious vermin.
He often visits the orchard and garden, where he
sometimes builds his nest. Being strictly a summer
bird, he leaves the Northern and Middle States early
in the Autumn, for a warmer climate, many passing
the Winter in Florida.

The next and last division of the Scansores which
we have to notice is the Parrots, well known for their
peculiar form, their singular habits, and the brilliant
coloring of their plumage. Although many species
of this group are found in various parts of the globe,
yet the Equatorial Regions must be considered as the
favorite resort for by far the greatest number. Here,
among the wild and majestic forests of towering palms,
or in the deep and tangled thickets of mimosa, where
the face of Nature is clothed in perennial verdure,
these gay-feathered birds make the air resound with
their loud discordant cries. Each country seems to
be possessed of varieties or subdivisions of the group
somewhat peculiar to itself. Thus, from the interior
of South America we have the splendid Macaws,
which are generally large birds, over three feet in
length, of which the tail makes up twenty-four inches,
and decked in the most glaring hues of scarlet, green,
blue, and yellow. From India and the adjacent isl-
ands come the superb Lories, arrayed in their coats
of fiery red ; while from Australia we welcome the

144 INSESSORES.

snow-wLite or roseate plumage of the Cockatoos. It
is almost impossible for us to form any adequate con-
ception of the extreme gracefulness and beauty of
these birds when enjoying the freedom of their na-
tive forests; and although their colors may be con-
sidered by many as too gaudy, and presenting too
many abrupt and striking contrasts to yield to the
eye that degree of pleasure which a softer blending
is apt to convey, yet we think that few can gaze upon
the multiplicity of their forms, and the richness and
diversity of their gorgeous tints, without regarding
them as one of the most wonderful and beautiful
families of the whole feathered race.

One of the most singular faculties of the Parrots,
— which, however, does not belong to the whole
tribe, — is that of imitating the human voice, and
learning by rote, words and sentences, which they
will sometimes repeat upon very appropriate occa-
sions, giving the impression that they are really
aware of their meaning. This power is possessed
principally by the short, even-tailed, and less gor-
geously colored species.

The following interesting account of a remarkable
bird, probably the Grey African Parrot,which possesses
the greatest imitative powers, is from Gosse's "Natu-
ral History of Birds." It is an extract from a letter
to a gentleman from the sister of its owner :

"As you wished me to write down whatever I could
recollect about my sister's wonderful Parrot, I pro-
ceed to do so, only premising that I will tell you no-
thing but what I can vouch for having myself heard.

THE PARROTS. 145

Her laugh is quite extraordinary, and it is impossi-
ble to help joining in it oneself, more especially when
in the midst of it she cries out, ' Do n't make me
laugh so. I shall die, I shall die ; ' and then con-
tinues laughing more violently than before. Her
crying and sobbing are curious ; and if you say,
' Poor Poll ! what is the matter ? ' she says, ' So bad 1
so bad ! got a bad cold !' and after crying for some
time will gradually cease, and making a noise like
drawing a long breath, say, ' Better now ! ' and begin
to laugh.

" The first time I ever heard her speak, was one
day when I was talking to the maid at the bottom
of the stairs, and heard what I then considered to
be a child call out, ' Payne ! (the maid's name) I am
not well ! I'm not well !' and on my saying, 'What
is the matter with that child?' she replied, f It is
only the Parrot; she always does so when I leave
her alone, to make me come back;' and so it proved;
for on her going into the room the Parrot stopped,
and then began laughing, quite in a jeering way.

" It is singular enough, that whenever she is affronted
in any way, she begins to cry, and when pleased, to
laugh. If any one happens to cough or sneeze, she
says, 'What a bad cold !' One day when the chil-
dren were playing with her, the maid came into the
room, and on repeating to her several things which
the Parrot had said, Poll looked up, and said quite
plainly, ' No I did n't.' Sometimes, when she is in-
clined to be mischievous, the maid threatens to beat
her, and she says, i No you won't.' She calls the
13 K

146 INSESSORES.

cat very plainly, saying, ' Puss ! puss ! ' and then
answers, 'Mew ;' but the most amusing part is, that
whenever I want to make her call it, and to that pur-
pose say, ' Puss ! Puss ! ' myself, she always answers
'Mew,' till I begin mewing, and then she begins call-
ing puss as quick as possible. She imitates every
kind of noise, and barks so naturally, that I have
known her to set all the dogs on the parade at Hamp-
ton Court barking j and the consternation I have seen
her cause in a party of cocks and hens, by her crow-
ing and clucking, has been the most ludicrous thing
possible. She sings just like a child, and I have
more than once thought it was a human being ; and
it was ridiculous to hear her make what one should
call a false note, and then say, ' Oh, la ! " and burst
out laughing at herself, beginning again in quite an-
other key. She is very fond of singing, l Buy a
Broom/ which she says quite plainly; but in the
same spirit as in calling the cat, if we say, with a
view to make her repeat it, ' Buy a Broom,' she al-
ways says, ' Buy a Brush,' and then laughs, as a child
might do when mischievous. She often performs a
kind of exercise which I do not know how to de-
scribe, except by saying it is like the lance exercise.
She puts her claw behind her, first on one side and
then on the other, then in front, and round over her
head, and whilst doing so, keeps saying, ' Come on !
Come on ! ' and, when finished, says, l Bravo ! beau-
tiful ! ' and draws herself up. Before I was as well
acquainted with her as I am now, she would stare in
my face for some time, and then say, t How d'ye do,

THE CAROLINA PARROT. 147

ma'am?' this she invariably does to strangers. One
day I went into the room where she was, and said, to
try her, < Poll, where is Payne gone?' and, to my
astonishment, and almost dismay, she said, ' Down
stairs/ I cannot at this moment recollect anything
more that I can vouch for myself, and I do not choose
to trust to what I am told ; but, from what I have
myself seen and heard, she has almost made me a
believer in transmigration."

The only member of this large family found in the
United States is the Carolina Parrot, or Parrakeet ;
which, although not so brilliantly attired as some of
the species, is nevertheless a very beautiful bird,
the predominating color of the plumage being a
light gre'en, tinged with purple on the wings. The
head and upper part of the neck are rich yellow,
with a patch of orange-red upon the forehead. Many
years ago, before the Southern and Western States
became thickly settled, this Parrot was very abun-
dant in those parts, but we believe that it is now
seldom found much to the eastward of the Mississippi
river. It is represented as an active, sprightly bird,
and very graceful in its motions upon the wing. In
the Autumn, when the Cockle Bur (a very noxious
weed) has ripened its seed, they assemble in vast
flocks, and, resorting to the fields where it grows,
they alight upon the plants, and plucking the burs
from the stem with their bills, they take them in one
claw, while with the bill they open it and take out
the fruit. In this way, a single flock will, in a few
lays, entirely rid a large field of the ripened seed;

148 INSESSORES.

the root of the plant, however, being perennial, they
do not exterminate it.

Audubon says they do not confine themselves to
the Cockle Bur exclusively, but attack all kinds of
fruit indiscriminately, on which account they are al-
ways unwelcome visitors to the planter. They are
particularly destructive to the grain-stacks, upon
which they alight in numbers sufficient almost to
cover it, pulling out the straws and scattering it
about, thus wasting as much as they eat. While thus
occupied, the farmer has a good opportunity of taking
vengeance upon them for their unwarrantable intru-
sion. When once fired upon, all the survivors will
rise, shriek, fly around a few minutes, and then alight
again upon the same spot. The gun being kept
vigorously at work, almost the entire flock is some-
times destroyed. At each discharge, the living birds
fly over their slain or wounded companions, shrieking
as loudly as ever, but still returning to the stack to
receive their measure of what the farmer would call
retributive justice.

These birds roost in companies, occupying the
large cavities which are found in the sycamore trees,
clinging to the sides of the hole as close together as
they can crowd, hanging on with their bill and claws.
They can scarcely be said to have any nests, their
eggs being laid upon a few pieces of rotten wood at
the bottom of the holes in which they roost.

Alexander Wilson, that accurate and beautiful
ornithological writer, gives such an interesting ac-
count of one of these birds, which he kept for some

THE CAROLINA PARROT. 149

time in confinement, throwing so much light upon
their peculiar manners, that we cannot forbear in-
serting it:

"Anxious to try the effect of education on one of
those which I procured at Big Bone Lick, and which
was but slightly wounded in the wing, I fixed up a
place for it in the stern of my boat, and presented
it with some Cockle Burs, which it freely fed on in
less than an hour after being on board. The inter-
mediate time between eating and sleeping was occu-
pied in gnawing the sticks that formed its place of
confinement, in order to make a practicable breach,
which it repeatedly effected. When I abandoned
the river, and travelled by land, I wrapped it up
closely in a silk handkerchief, tying it tightly around,
and carried it in my pocket. When I stopped for
refreshment, I unbound my prisoner, and gave it its
allowance, which it generally despatched with great
dexterity, unhusking the seeds from the bur in a
twinkling; in doing which it always employed its
left foot to hold the bur, as did several others that I
kept for some time. In recommitting it to ' durance
vile/ we generally had a quarrel, during which it
frequently paid me in kind for the wound I had in-
flicted, and for depriving it of liberty, by cutting
and almost disabling several of my fingers with its
sharp and powerful bill. The path through the wil-
derness between Nashville and Natchez is in some
places bad beyond description. There are dangerous
creeks to swim, miles of morass to struggle through,
rendered almost as gloomy as night by a prodigious
13*

.

150 INSESSORES.

growth of timber, and an underwood of canes and
other evergreens ; while the descent into these slug-
gish streams is often ten or fifteen feet perpendicu-
lar, into a bed of deep clay. In some of the worst
of these places, where I had, as it were, to fight my
way through, the Paraquet frequently escaped from
my pocket, obliging me to dismount and pursue it
through the worst of the morass before I could re-
gain it. On these occasions I was several times
tempted to abandon it; but I persisted in bringing it
along. When at night I encamped in the woods, I
placed it on the baggage beside me, where it usually
sat with great composure, dozing and gazing at the
fire till morning. In this manner I carried it up-
wards of a thousand miles in my pocket, where it
was exposed all day to the jolting of the horse, but
regularly liberated at meal times, and in the evening,
at which it always expressed great satisfaction. In
passing through the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations,
the Indians, wherever I stopped to feed, collected
around me, men, women, and children, laughing and
seeming wonderfully amused with the novelty of my
companion. The Chickasaws called it in their lan-
guage ' kilinky ;' but when they heard me call it
Poll, they soon repeated the name ; and wherever I
chanced to stop among these people, we soon became
familiar with each other through the medium of Poll.
On arriving at Mr. Dunbar's, below Natchez, I pro-
cured a cage and placed it under the piazza, where,
by its call, it soon attracted the passing flocks ; such
is the attachment they have for each other. Numer-

THE CAROLINA PARROT. 151

ous parties frequently alighted on the trees imme-
diately above, keeping up a constant conversation
with the prisoner. One of these I wounded slightly
in the wing, and the pleasure Poll expressed on meet-
ing with this new companion was really amusing.
She crept close up to it as it hung on the side of the
cage ; chattered to it in a low tone of voice, as if
sympathizing in its misfortune; scratched about its
head and neck with her bill ; and both at night
nestled as close as possible to each other; sometimes
Poll's head being thrust among the plumage of the
other. On the death of this companion, she appeared
restless and inconsolable for several days. On reach-
ing New Orleans, I placed a looking-glass beside the
place where she usually sat, and the instant she per-
ceived her image, all her former fondness seemed to
return, so that she could scarcely absent herself from
it a moment. It was evident that she was completely
deceived. Always when evening drew on, and often
during the day, she laid her head close to that of the
image in the glass, and began to doze with great
composure and satisfaction. In this short space she
had learned to know her name ; to answer and come
when called on ; to climb up my clothes, sit on my
shoulder, and eat from my mouth. I took her with
me to sea, determined to persevere in her education ;
but, destined to another fate, poor Poll, having one
morning about daybreak wrought her way through
the cage, while I was asleep, instantly flew overboard,
and perished in the Gulf of Mexico."

152 INSESSORES

CHAPTER VIII.

INSESSORES: SYNDACTYLI.

HUMMING BIRDS.

THE number of species of Humming Birds known
to Linnaeus, and other early naturalists, was compar-
atively few; while, more recently, Lesson, who has
been considered a great exponent of the family, has,
in his works upon that subject, only figured and de-
scribed about one hundred and ten. But through
the means of various travellers who have given the
subject their particular attention, the number has been
gradually swelled, until at the present time it amounts
to upwards of three hundred and twenty distinct and
well-defined species. This result is in a great meas*
ure owing to the energetic exertions of John Gould
of London and Charles Lucian Bonaparte, Prince of
Canino, whose collectors have distributed themselves
throughout the continents of North and South Amer-
ica, making search among unexplored regions for new
species.

The warm and ever-glowing countries of the Trop-
ics seem to be the most favorite resort of this lovely
tribe, before the brilliant fire of whose sparkling plu-
mage the gorgeous colorings of all other feathered
races grow dull. There, revelling in the undying

Ruby-throated Ilumrning Bird.

(153)

THE HUMMING BIRDS. 155

verdure of a perpetual Summer, these gems of the
forest sport their charms amid the sweets of a thous-
and flowers.

Although by far the largest number of species of
the Humming Birds are found in the West Indies,
the Brazils, and those countries which lie adjacent
to the Equator, yet these are by no means the lim-
its to which they are confined : they enjoy probably
the most extensive range of country, and experience
the greatest variety of climate, of any known family.
The continents of North and South America, from
Nootka Sound on the northwest and Canada on the
northeast, to Terra del Fuego on the south, can alone
be given as the limits of their migrations. The beau-
tiful and lovely little bird discovered by Captain Cook
on the borders of Nootka Sound, and which inhabits
the whole northwest coast, is a lonely representative
of the genus in the ornithology of those parts; while
in Canada and the United States, the little Ruby-
throated Humming Bird is, during Summer, a wel-
come delegate of the tribe. And although it does

*— ^j

not, like the Wood Thrush, sit and regale us by its
melodious song, yet we are none the less attracted by
its tiny form, its activity and gracefulness as it flits
from flower to flower, and gaze with admiration upon
the sparkling of its jewelled breast.

As we advance farther south the species become
more numerous ; in Mexico and Guatemala we find
upwards of thirty or forty species ; while in the West
Indies and the vast expanse of Central America,
there are comparatively few members of the family

156

INSESSORES.

Black-headed Humming Bird.

that may not be found at some season of the year.
On the lone island of Juan Fernandez, in the vicin-
ity of the very cave which tradition has dedicated to
the memory of the renowned Robinson Crusoe, two
elegant species have been obtained. In the Andes,
whose lofty summits are capped with eternal snows ;
in the deep recesses of the craters of extinct volca-
noes ; and where Chimborazi and Cotopaxi poured
forth their streams of liquid fire, — there these little

THE HUMMING BIRDS. 157

jewelled bands, with untiring wing, suck the sweet
nectar from some favorite flower, or with the velocity
of thought flash like meteors across the vision, in
pursuit of their prey.

The traveller who has visited the haunts of these
birds, can alone possess an adequate idea of their
surpassing loveliness. As they seldom live long in
confinement, almost the only impression we can form
of them is gained from the descriptions of those who
have observed their habits in their native woods, and
from the examination of the stuffed skins in our cab-
inets. The varieties of form, size, and color are so
many, and the general development of the organs is
so various, that in viewing a collection of these lovely
creatures, one cannot but wonder at so wide a differ-
ence between them, while a general resemblance is
constantly preserved.

In the island of Jamaica, and peculiar to that lo-
cality, is found a species familiarly known by the
name of Polytmus, or Black-headed Humming Bird,
— having two of the tail feathers lengthened to a
degree quite disproportionate, being more than twice
the length of the body • while in the Andes of Bo-
gota there exists a variety (Sword-bill) with the bill
protruded to such an astonishing extent, as almost to
make one laugh at the magnitude of the supposed
deformity. From Brazil and Guiana we receive
specimens having crests on the head, and lateral
tufts on the neck, capable of being raised or depressed
at pleasure, and which, when fully expanded, gire
the bird the appearance of being possessed of two
14

158

INSESSORES.

Sword-bill Humming Bird.

pair of wings. Of these, the Chestnut-tufted Co-
quette is the most beautiful. Others again with
crests of various forms and dimensions ; some, as in
the Delalande Humming Bird, whose crest when
elevated measures nearly as long as the body of the
bird.

But the most striking difference is in the various
forms and peculiar development of the tail. The
Polytmus, with its long, dangling plumes, has already

THE HUMMING BIRDS. 159

been noticed. In the Racket-tail we have a tail
deeply forked, with the two outer quills entirely bare
of webbing in the centre, for about one-third their
length, and at the outer extremities expanding sud-
denly into a broad spathe, somewhat in the shape of
a battledore. In the gorgeous Comet-tail the tail is
forked, and composed of broad feathers, the outer
pair about four and a half inches in length, all tip-
ped with black, and glowing with a radiant lustre
like highly polished brass, with a considerable tinge
of red, which has given it with some the significant
title of Flame-tail. A number of other species might
be mentioned to show the vast variety of forms as-
sumed by this important appendage, which adds to
each species a peculiar grace, and no doubt exerts a
considerable influence in regulating its motions upon
the wing; but the limits of this article will not admit
of more.

The peculiar beauty of the Humming Bird con-
sists in the metallic lustre of its coloring; and when
seen in a strong light, some parts of the plumage
exhibit a surface of the most exquisite polish, glit-
tering with all the brilliancy of the ruby, the fiery
lustre of the topaz, and the soft sparkling of the
sapphire, the emerald, and the amethyst. Their voice
consists mostly of a low twitter or chirp, although it
is asserted that some species indulge in a low but
not unmusical warble. Thus we see that Nature dis-
tributes her gifts with an equal hand ; for, while to
these little creatures she has given a plumage of tho
most unrivalled splendor, covering their feathers with

160 INSESSORES.

burnished gold, and tinging them with the ever-
changing hues of the most glittering gems, — upon
others, arrayed in a plainer dress, she has bestowed
that peculiarly fascinating and delightful charm, a
voice that rings through the woodlands like a heaven-
born melody.

It has been observed that the Humming Birds
seldom live long in confinement; and although they
have been kept during a period of several weeks, jet
they generally languish and die in a much shorter
space of time. A creature so evidently formed for
continued activity, whose very food is taken upon
the wing, would naturally prove difficult to domesti-
cate ; and the impossibility of supplying it with its
natural food, would at once suggest the uncertainty
of success. The Polytmus has been known in sev-
eral instances to live in an apartment sufficiently large
to allow of free exercise; and by being constantly
supplied with fresh flowers and a syrup prepared for
the purpose, has been kept alive for a few weeks ; but
the almost entire absence of the minute insects which
constitute the principal part of their food, rendered
them so feeble and emaciated as soon to cause their
death from actual starvation. When first caught and
placed in confinement, they mostly pine away, and
die in a few days of fright or grief. Sometimes, in
fits of desperation, they beat themselves about and
butt their little heads against the sides of the cage,
and soon fall down exhausted and die.

In the manner of constructing their nests, the
Humming Birds differ almost as widely as in their

THE HUMMING BIRDS. 161

forms and colorings. In some species it is hung in
the most graceful manner from the tendrils of some
twining creeper, whose luxuriant bowers of fragrant
bloom supply them with abundant food and protection
from the weather. Some are supported by the slen-
der stalks of a rampant shrub, while others are perched
beneath the jutting point of some rock o'ergrown
with ferns and flowers, or built upon the horizontal
branch of some moss-covered tree. The beautiful
Delalande Humming Bird constructs a neat little
nest in the form of an inverted cone, made of moss,
lichens, fibrous roots, spiders' webs, and the involu-
cres of plants, suspended from the slender stems of a
species of bamboo, and almost entirely imbedded in
its foliage. The little Ruby-throat of the United
States, the only species which is familiar to us, gen-
erally builds upon the strong branch of some old
tree, and so assimilates the outside of the nest with
the mossy covering of the bark, as to make it diffi-
cult to be discovered, except by accident or by dili-
gent search. The principal materials used in the
construction of the nests are fine grass, fibrous roots,
bark, spiders' webs, feathers, wool, hair, moss, and
lichens, each selecting such of them as are best
adapted to its wants, or most easily procured ; and in
most, if not all cases, the interior is lined with the
soft down or pubescence gathered from various plants.
The following interesting account, given by a res-
ident of Jamaica, of the manners of the Polytmus,
as having come under his own observation, is taken
14* L

162 INSESSORES.

from Martin's " Humming Birds of Gould's Collec
tion : "

" In the latter part of February a friend showed
me a nest of this species, in a singular situation, but
which I afterward found to be quite in accordance
with its usual habits. It was at Bognie, situated on
the Bluefield Mountain. About a quarter of a mile
within the woods, a blind path, choked up with bushes,
descends suddenly beneath an overhanging rock of
limestone, the face of which presents large projec-
tions and hanging points, encrusted with a rough tu-
berculous sort of stalactite. At one corner of the
bottom there is a cavern, in which a tub is fixed, to
receive water of great purity, which perpetually drips
from the roof, and which in the dry season is a most
valuable resource. Beyond this, which is very ob-
scure, the eye penetrates to a larger area, deeper still,
which receives light from some other communication
with the air. Bound the projections and groins of
the front, the roots of the trees above have entwined,
and. to a fibre of one of these, hanging down, not
thicker than a whip- cord, was suspended a Humming
Bird's nest, containing two eggs. It seemed to be
composed wholly of moss, was thick, and attached to
the rootlet by the side. One of the eggs was broken.
I did not disturb it, but after three weeks visited it
again. It had apparently been handled by some cu-
rious child, for both eggs were broken and the nest
evidently deserted. While I lingered in this roman-
tic place, picking up some of the land shells which
were scattered among the rocks, suddenly I heard the

THE HUMMING BIRDS. 163

whirr of a Humming Bird, and looking up saw a
female Polytmus hovering opposite the nest with a
mass of silk-cotton in her beak. Deterred by the
sight of me, she presently retired- to a twig a few
paces distant, on which she sat. I immediately sunk
down among the rocks as gently as possible, and re-
mained perfectly still. In a few seconds she came
again, and after hovering a moment disappeared be-
hind one of the projections, whence in a few seconds
she emerged again, and flew off. I then examined
the place, and found to my delight a new nest in all
respects like the old one, but unfinished, affixed to
another twig not a yard from it. I again sat down
among the stones in front, where I could see the nest,
notconcealing myself, but remaining motionless, wait-
ing for the bird's reappearance. I had not to wait
long : a loud whirr, and there she was, suspended in
the air before the nest. She soon espied me, and
came within a foot of my eyes, hovering just in front
of my face. I remained still, however, when I heard
the whirring of another just above me, perhaps the
mate ; but I durst not look toward him, lest the turn-
ing of my head should frighten the female. In a
minute or two the other was gone, and she alighted
again on the twig, where she sat some little time
preening her feathers, and apparently clearing her
mouth from the cotton fibres, for she now and then
swiftly projected the tongue an inch and a half from
the beak, continuing the same curve as that of the
beak. When she arose it was to perform a very in-

164 INSESSORES.

teresting action ; for she flew to the face of the rock,
which was thickly clothed with soft dry moss, and
hovering on the wing as if before a flower, began to
pluck the moss until she had a large bunch of it in
her beak. Then I saw her fly to the nest, and hav-
ing seated herself in it, proceed to place the new
materials, pressing and arranging and interweaving
the whole with her beak, while she fashioned the
cup-like form of the interior by the pressure of her
white breast, moving round and round as she sat.
My presence appeared to be no hindrance to her pro-
ceedings, although only a few feet distant; at length
she left the place, and I left also."

In all the species, as far as has yet been ascer-
tained, the female deposits but two eggs, which are
beautifully white, or slightly tinged with yellow; the
period of incubation varies from ten to about sixteen
days; the young, when hatched, are quite naked and
blind, but soon become covered with feathers, and in
about three weeks are able to take care of themselves
and leave the nest, becoming in a short time as active
on the wing as their parents, from whom they can
only be distinguished by their plumage.

The fact that the food of these birds consists
mostly of insects, has been well established both by
observation and experiment; the few individuals
which have lived in confinement have been seen
eagerly catching such as have chanced to be in the
apartment which they occupied ; while the quick
snapping of the bill, similar to that of the Fly-

THE HUMMING BIRDS. 165

catchers, distinctly heard when darting through the
air, at once indicates the nature of its sustenance.
For this reason they often frequent the borders of
streams ; and are seen skimming over the surface of
ponds of water, where a minute insect life is most
abundant. The bills also of many species are pro-
vided with seratures, to enable them more certainly
to secure their prey. The corollas of many large
tubular flowers are infested by microscopic insects,
which undoubtedly attract the birds, as well as the
sweet nectar contained in the cup below; and to ob-
tain which they are furnished with a tongue formed
like that of the Woodpeckers, divided into two tubes
which run throughout its entire length, and is capa-
ble of being protruded to a considerable distance
from the point of the beak, thus serving the purpose
of a pump to draw up the honey from the deep re-
cesses of the flower, while it is also used to collect
the insects from the corolla.

In most species of Humming Birds there is a wide
difference noticeable in the plumage of the males and
the females, the latter being rarely if ever clothed
with the rich metallic hues of the former. In a few
instances where the coloring of both sexes is plain,
no difference is apparent. The young birds do not
generally attain their full livery until the second or
third year; they make their first appearance in the
sombre garb of the female, which gradually changes
with each successive moulting until maturity.

The structure of the scale-like feathers which

166 INSESSORES.

adorn various parts of their bodies is very peculiar,
presenting as they do a beautifully burnished sur-
face, glittering with intense brilliancy, and tinged
with the most exquisite shades of green, gold, crim-
son, or black.

The Ruby Topaz Humming Bird, when viewed
directly in front, has a gorget of the most fiery
orange ; but alter the angle at which the light strikes
it, and we have a surface of emerald green, which,
by still another change in position, is converted into
velvety black. This changeableness is due to the
construction of the feathers, for, upon close exami-
nation, we find each composed of a multitude of
facets, which are so arranged as to present various
angles to the falling rays, and thus absorb or reflect
the different colors, according to the position in which
they are held.

The surpassing beauty, the swiftness of flight, and
the apparent intelligence of these winged gems, can-
not fail to attract and rivet the attention of the most
listless observer; darting from blossom to blossom,
poising themselves as by magic, in mid air, upon
viewless wings, now gently dipping their radiant
bosoms into the deep recesses of the gayest corollas,
and now resting like little fairies upon some delicate
twig or tendril to preen their ruffled plumes, they
must ever be to the reflective mind fit objects of
wonder and admiration.

There are seven species which have been found
within the limits of the United States. The Ruby-
throat, abundant almost everywhere in Summer; the

THE HUMMING BIRDS. 167

Nootka Sound Hummer, inhabiting Oregon and the
Northwest Coast ; the Anna Humming Bird ; the
Purple-throated Humming Bird; and Coste"s Hum-
ming Bird, found in California and Mexico; the
Broad-tailed Flame Bearer, from Texas and Mexico;
and the Mango Humming Bird, a single specimen
of which was captured upon one of the small islands
or keys at the southern extremity of Florida.

168 INSESSORES.

CHAPTER IX.

INSESSORES: ACCIPITRES.

WALK TO THE FIELDS HABITS OF DIFFERENT BIRDS — TUR-
KEY BUZZARD VULTURE CONDOR EAGLE HAWK

FALCON KITE — HAWK OWL AND THE OWL.

IF we look over the wide extent of our country,
washed by the bright waves of the Atlantic on the
one side, and by the blue waters of the Pacific on
the other, and stretching from the cold icy regions
of Hudson's Bay to the far-off boundaries of Texas
and California, we shall observe that its surface is
not only diversified with a charming variety of moun-
tains and valleys, hills and dales, table-lands and
prairies, but that each region is tenanted by an ani-
mated life in many respects peculiarly its own. This
is particularly noticeable with reference to birds ;
and although many species seem to enjoy a wide
range, extending during their migrations almost from
the extreme north to the extreme south, yet it will
be found that the summer haunts of most are gener-
ally restricted to certain localities, beyond which they
are seldom known to build their nest and rear their
young. This peculiarity will become more apparent
as we proceed with our description of some of the
most prominent species.

We will now invite our readers to accompany us

l&H/ll/',"'^' "" "** i>: \****Z^.

•••' ,/vs«s*V(k

Snowy Owl.

(169)

15

THE TURKEY BUZZARD. 171

into the fields and woods, far from the noise of city
life, and where no sound is heard but the ceaseless
Toice of Nature. Here we shall see the birds in all
their native beauty, not as we see the stuffed mum-
mies in our cabinets, but as free tenants of the air,
enjoying all the life and liberty in which they were
created. It is a warm, bright morning of Summer;
the sultry air teems with the fragrant odors of the
hay-fields ; the sweet warblers which early sang their
notes from the neighboring grove have retired to the
deep and cooling shelter of the forest. We seek the
shade of some wide-spreading oak, where we may sit
down and observe what is passing around us. If we
turn our eyes upward, we will probably see four or
five dark-looking objects, apparently like crows, sail-
ing in easy circles, or floating about in graceful curves,
sometimes dashing off with impetuous velocity, or
mounting high in the air, until almost lost to view,
their varied motions being performed without any
further apparent effort of the wings than a few flaps.
These are the Turkey Buzzards, and if one of them
should pass before us upon the ground, we would
scarcely suspect so awkward, unsightly, heavy and
inanimate a looking object, could be so free and
graceful upon the wing; and if we should see him
thrust his head and neck into the mangled corpse
of some poor old horse which had just fallen a prey
to the stroke of death, we should be still more dis-
gusted with his unmannerly behavior. But how-
ever justly we may censure him for his uncouth np-
pearance and his filthy habits, he is nevertheless one

172 INSESSORES.

of our best friends. In the warm cities of the South,
(for it is here that these birds are most abundant),
troops of them, in company with the Black Vultures,
may be found almost daily performing the office of
scavengers. They are to be seen walking or flying
about the streets, frequenting the markets or sham-
bles, and greedily snatching up the pieces of flesh
which are thrown away by the butchers, and even
attempting, when opportunity offers, to help them-
selves from the benches where meat is exposed for
sale ; thus the air is, in great measure, kept free from
the foul effluvia which would otherwise be created by
the accumulation of such substances. They will also
follow the carcass of a horse or cow as it is dragged
through the streets, and upon its being deposited in
the suburbs, will even dispute possession with the
dogs which assemble to assist in devouring it; but
should Eagles make their appearance on such occa-
sions, the Vultures retire, and patiently wait until
their second turn comes, when they immediately
commence again in all the hurry of a keen appetite,
and seldom stop until the whole is consumed.

The California Vulture is another species similar
in its habits and appearance, although much larger,
it being the largest bird known to exist north of the
isthmus of Darien, almost equalling the far-famed
Condor of the Andes, to which it is closely allied.*

* The Condor, being a large and powerful bird, is, even
under unfavorable circumstances, almost a match for a full-
grown man. Captain Head relates the following anecJoto

THE VULTURES. 173

Vultures can perceive the existence of carrion at a
very great distance. Some authors have supposed
that it was owing to the sense of smell being very
acute ; but it appears to be by no means certain that
the olfactory nerve, which in mammalia is the organ
of smell, does in birds perform that function. The
Vultures, as well as many other birds, possess an

of a contest between a strong English miner from Cornwall
and one of these gormandizers after a full meal:

" The man, when riding along the plains, saw several
Condors, and guessing that they were attracted by the body
of some dead animal, rode up, and found a numerous flock
around the carcase of a horse. One of the largest was
standing with one foot on the ground, and the other in the
horse's body, exhibiting a singular force of muscular power,
as he lifted the flesh and tore off great pieces, sometimes
shaking his head and pulling with his beak, or sometimes
pushing with his leg. As the man approached, one of them,
which appeared to be gorged, rose up, and flew about fifty
yards off, when it alighted, and he rode up to it, and then
jumping down, seized the bird by the neck. The contest
•was severe, and never probably was such a battle seen be-
fore, as a Cornish miner and a Condor. The man declared
he never had had such a trial of strength in his life, that
he put his knee upon the bird's breast, and tried with all
his might to twist his neck, but that the Condor, objecting
to this, struggled most violently, nnd he fully expected that
several other birds, which were flying over him, would take
part against him, and assist their companion. At length,
however, the man succeeded, as he supposed, and carrying
off the pinion quills in triumph, left the bird for dead. But
so tenacious are they of life, and so difficult to kill, that
another horseman, who passed the spot some time after,
found it still living and struggling."

15*

174 INSESSORES.

extraordinary development of the nasal organs, but
for what purpose it is designed is not fully known.
From the earliest ages, the powers of vision of these
birds have been almost proverbial, and as they seem
to be constantly on the look-out for some object with
which to gratify their voracious appetites, it is more
than probable that their quickness of sight, rather
than the sense of smell, assists them in discovering
their food. Wilson, the American ornithologist,
speaks of having counted two hundred and thirty-
seven black Vultures, which had collected for the
purpose of devouring the carcase of a horse; and
from his description, we should suppose that nothing
was left but the naked skeleton long before the least
effluvia could have escaped from the body to attract
them.*

Sometimes in the midst of a troop of Vultures may
be recognized the white head and white tail of the

* In travelling over the wide deserts of Africa, where
there is not a blade of grass to tempt a living bird or ani-
mal, and therefore no inducement for birds of prey to scour
the wilderness in search of game, should a camel or other
beast of burden drop under its load in the train of a caravan,
in less than half an hour there will be seen high in the air
a number of the smallest specks moving slowly round in
circles, and gradually growing larger and larger as they
descend in spiral windings toward the earth. These are the
Vultures, but whence they come, or by what sign or call
they are collected from such a vast height, is mysterious ;
though it is quite possible that it is in consequence of both
the senses being possessed of an acuteness of which we can
hardly form any conception.

THE BALD EAGLE. 175

Bald Eagle, the rest of his plumage being quite sim-
ilar to that of his less dignified companions, but from
whom he may be readily distinguished by the greater
ease of his motions, as well as his more majestic ap-
pearance. While the Turkey Buzzard sails in con-
tracted circles, or swims off in a wide curve, the
Eagle, as if conscious of his superiority, floats upon
his unmoving wing as though he would compass in
one vast sweep the broad expanse of Heaven ; or
sometimes, when at his greatest altitude, hardly ap-
pearing as more than a black speck in the dim dis-
tance, he will fold his wings and descend with the
velocity of thought toward the earth, when suddenly
unfurling his broad pinions, he checks his downward
course, and glides off like an arrow to a distant
quarter.

The Eagles often resort to stratagem to secure their

D C

prey, being well aware that ducks, and other water-
fowl on which they feed, can readily elude their grasp
by diving beneath the water and again appearing
above the surface at some distance. To meet this
difficulty, they will hunt in pairs ; and having dis-
covered the object of their search, will ascend into
the air in opposite directions until they have reached
a considerable height, when one of them immediately
glides with great swiftness toward the place where
the bird is engaged quietly seeking its food ; the
latter, observing his intentions, dives the moment
before he reaches the spot, but upon again rising to
the surface he is met by the second Eagle, whose
keen vision may have traced his course under the

176 INSESSORES.

water, and who has descended from his elevation just
in time to force the poor bird again to take refuge
beneath the water almost before he has taken breath ;
and thus by repeated attacks the duck becomes wea-
ried, and swims for the shore, where he is easily cap-
tured by the Eagles, who divide the dainty morsel
between them.

Fish also constitutes a considerable portion of the
food of the Bald Eagle, and to the vicinity of the
sea or other large bodies of water they often resort
for the purpose of obtaining it. Here one may some-
times be seen " fishing," as the boys say, " upon his
o.wn hook," but much more frequently does he sup-
ply himself and young with food by robbing the in-
dustrious Fish Hawk of the fruits of his honest toil.
The scene thus enacted is often of a very interesting
and exciting character, and is thus graphically de-
scribed by Wilson : " Elevated on the high dead limb
of some gigantic tree that commands a wide view of
the neighboring shore and ocean, the Eagle seems
calmly to contemplate the motions of the various
feathered tribes that pursue their busy avocations
below, — the snow-white Gulls slowly winnowing the
air; the busyFringae coursing along the sands; trains
of Ducks streaming over the surface; silent and watch-
ful Cranes, intent and wading; clamorous Crows; and
all the winged multitudes that subsist by the bounty
of this vast liquid magazine of Nature. High over
all these hovers one, whose action instantly arrests
his whole attention. By his wide curvature of wing,
and sudden suspension in air, he knows him to be

THE BALD EAGLE. 177

the Fish Hawk, settling over some devoted victim
of the deep. His eye kindles at the sight, and,
balancing himself, with half-opened wings, on the
branch, he watches the result. Down, rapid as an
arrow from Heaven, descends the distant object of
his attention, the roar of its wings reaching the ear
as it disappears in the deep, making the surges foam
around. At this moment the eager looks of the
Eagle are all ardor; and, levelling his neck for
flight, he sees the Fish Hawk once more emerge,
struggling with his prey, and mounting in the air
with screams of exultation. These are the signal for
our hero, who, launching into the air, instantly gives
chase, and soon gains on the Fish Hawk ; each exerts
his utmost to mount above the other, displaying in
these rencontres the most elegant and sublime aerial
evolutions. The unencumbered Eagle rapidly ad-
vances, and is just on the point of reaching his op-
ponent, when, with a sudden scream, probably of
despair and honest execration, the latter drops his
fish; the Eagle, poising himself for a moment, as if
to take a more certain aim, descends like a whirlwind,
snatches it in his grasp ere it reaches the water, and
bears his ill-gotten booty silently away to the woods."
This cowardly and selfish behavior of the Eagle
would seem to unfit him to be the national emblem
of a people devoted to freedom, and who glory in the
unmolested enjoyment of their rights. Dr. Franklin
deeply regretted that it had been chosen as the rep-
resentative of our country, but however appropriate
or inappropriate the comparison may be; there is no

M

178 INSESSORES.

good reason for our following its example in idly
watching the labors of the poor slave, and then rob-
bing him of a part of the fruits of his toil.

The most noble representatives of this family are
the Golden Eagle and the Washington Eagle, both
natives of America, and the former of many parts
of Europe and Asia.

The Golden Eagle is a large and powerful bird,
noble and majestic in appearance. Its food consists
principally of lambs, fawns, rabbits, turkeys, ducks,
and other large birds. In capturing its prey it does
not manifest the same agility as the Bald Eagle in
pursuing and seizing it upon the wing, but it is
obliged to descend from a considerable height upon
it to insure success. The keenness of its vision,
however, enables it to discern at a great distance the
objects of its desire, upon which it generally falls
with the swiftness of a meteor, and with an unerring
and deadly aim. The feathers of this Eagle are
much sought after by the Indians of North America,
as an ornament of their dress ; and so highly are they
prized, that it is said a warrior will often exchange a
valuable horse for the tail .feathers of a single bird'.*

* Eagles being possessed of both strength and courage,
will, under some circumstances, especially when pressed by
hunger, openly attack the human species ; and numerous
well-authenticated accounts are on record of young chil-
dren having been carried away and devoured by them.
Bishop Heber, in his travels in India, passed through a
mountainous district where sad complaints were made of
their carrying off infant children ; and some years ago a
traveller in the Alps observed suspended from a jutting cxag

THE SPARROW HAWK. 179

Next in size and importance to the Eagles come
the Ha\vks and Falcons, of which the varieties are
numerous. They all possess great similarity in their
formation and habits, mostly pursuing their prey
upon the wing, securing its capture by the vigor and
rapidity of their flight.

The Sparrow Hawk, a neat and very active bird,
rather less in size than a pigeon, is a frequent visi-
tor to the farm-house and barn-yard, where it sits
perched erect upon a fence-stake, watching intently
for the approach of some unlucky mouse or mole, or
even for beetles or grasshoppers, upon which it
pounces with great quickness, and immediately re-
turns to its stand to devour it. When changing its
position it flies low until within a few yards of the
spot upon which it wishes to settle, when it suddenly

the tattered remains of a child's clothing, who had been
carried away from the valley below by the Lammergeier,
or Bearded Vulture.

A large Eagle some years ago made an attack upon a
little boy about seven years of age, residing near the city
of New York, who, with a younger brother, was amusing
himself with attempting to reap, during the absence of
their parents. The bird sailed slowly over them, and with
a sudden swoop endeavored to seize the child, but luckily
missed him. He then alighted at a short distance for a few
moments, when he again renewed the attempt. The brave
little fellow at once struck at his assailant wit*h the sickle
which he happened to have in his hand, and so resolutely
was the blow given, that entering tinder the left wing it
passed between the ribs, and penetrating the liver, proved
fatal. The bird's stomach was found to be entirely empty,
which may in some degree account for so unusual an attack,-

* > ,

180 INSESSORES.

rises with an easy curve and alights witLfl the utmost
grace, closing its wings with the rapidity of thought.
Sometimes a Sparrow or Finch crosses its pathway,
when the little Hawk, all anxiety to secure so great
a prize, at once gives chase, and soon overtaking it,
bears it off to share the dainty morsel with its mate
and young. The Sparrow Hawk is capable of being
domesticated and rendered quite companionable. Au-
dubon gives the following description of a young bird
which he kept for some time : " I once found a young
male that had dropped from the nest before it was
able to fly. Its cries for food attracted my notice,
and I discovered it lying near a log. I took it home,
named it ' Nero/ and provided it with small birds,
at which it would scramble fiercely, although yet un-
able to tear their flesh, in which I assisted it. In a
few weeks it grew very beautiful, and became so vo-
racious, requiring a great number of birds daily, that
I turned it out to see how it would shift for itself.
This proved a gratification to both of us. It soon
hunted for grasshoppers and other insects, and on
returning from my walks, I now and then threw a
dead bird high in the air, which it never failed to
perceive from its stand, and toward which it launched
with such quickness as sometimes to catch it before
it fell to the ground. The little fellow attracted the
notice of his brothers, brought up hard by, who, ac-
companied by their parents, at first gave it chase, and
forced it to take refuge behind one of the window-
shutters, where it usually passed the night; but soon
became gentler toward it, as if forgiving its desertion.

'.'.- '.f

,^- .-'.', >
2-^X'

HH

Upper jig. — Sparrow Hawk. L<>w<;r fuj. — Pigeon Hawk.

16 (181)

THE DUCK HAWK. 183

My bird was fastidious in the choice of food, would
not touch a Woodpecker, however fresh, and as he
grew older refused to eat birds that were in the least
tainted. To the last he continued kind to me, and
never fail-ed to return at night to his favorite roost
behind the window-shutter. His courageous dispo-
sition often amused the family, as he would sail off
from his stand and fall on the back of a tame duck,
which, setting up a loud ' quack/ would waddle off
in great alarm, with the Hawk sticking to her. But,
as has often happened to adventurers of similar spirit,
his audacity cost him his life. A hen and her brood
chanced to attract his notice, and he flew to secure
one of the chickens, but met one whose parental
affection inspired her with a courage greater than
his own. The conflict, which was severe, ended the
adventures of poor Nero."

The Duck Hawk is probably the swiftest-winged
Hawk with which we are acquainted. When pursu-
ing its prey it moves with astonishing rapidity, fol-
lowing it in all its turnings and dodgings through
the air until within a few feet of it, when it protrudes
its talons, and closing its wings for a moment, rushes
upon it, and if not too heavy, bears it off to the earth.
He pursues the Ducks and Water Hens with such
quickness as often to snatch them from the water
before they could dive beneath it ; and with the most
daring assurance will sometimes come at the report
of a gun and carry off the prize almost from under
the nose of the sportsman who has killed it.

The Peregrine Falcon, which is a native of Europe,

184

INSESSORES.

representing there the Duck Hawk of America, ap-
pears to have been the favorite Hawk among the fal-
coners of the olden time. In the early part of Euro-
pean history mention is frequently made of the sport
of hawking, and it was then considered as a recrea-
tion of such a dignified character, that it was placed
by laws beyond the power of any but the nobility to
engage in. it. The various nobles vied with each
other in the superiority and numbers of their Falcons,
and the life of a serf is said to have been esteemed
of less value in. the eyes of a Norman Baron than
that of his favorite Hawk.

To the Hawk family
also belong the Kite,
the Swallow - tailed
Hawk, the Pigeon
Hawk, the Sharp-shin-
ned Hawk, and the
Red - shouldered and
Red - tailed Buzzards,
all of which are more
or less abundant in the
various sections of the
country.

Next to these, as a
connecting link be-
tween the Hawks and
Owls, we have the

Hawk Owl.

Hawk Owl, which appears to be only an occasional
visitor south of the St. Lawrence river. In the vicin-
ity of Hudson's Bay it is quite abundant, and is also

THE HAWK OWL. 185

found in Denmark, Sweden, and Siberia. It strongly
resembles the Hawks in the general form of the body,
the narrowness of the face, and the length of the
tail ; but the radiating feathers around the eyes and
bill, as well as the form of the legs and feet, at once
distinguish it as an Owl. It is said to be a bold and
active species, possessing many of the manners of
the Hawk, preying by day, and often following the
sportsman and carrying off the game as soon as shot.

With the general appearance of the Owl it is pre-
sumed that most of our readers are acquainted. A
large head, with a broad flat face, huge eyes sur-
rounded with fine feathers, which radiate in all direc-
tions, and almost conceal its small, hooked bill; the
head sometimes surmounted with two fierce-looking
horns which project sideways from above the eyes;
these form some of the most prominent features of
this peculiar family.

With the Owl has generally been associated the
habit of prowling about at night, and committing all
kinds of depredations upon its sleeping fellow-crea-
tures, and occasionally scaring some dreamy slum-
berer by perching; upon his window-shutter, and inter-
spersing his visions with a wild and unearthly laugh.
How often has this innocent note of the poor little
Owl been made the foundation of senseless stories
about ghosts and other appearances whose existence
is not only contrary to Nature, but utterly impossi-
ble!

It is observed that in most species of Owls the
wing is formed of soft and downy feathers, in conse-

186 INSESSORES.

quence of which its flight is noiseless, and it glides
through the still air and pounces upon its victims
without awaking them, until too late to elude its
grasp. But there are some varieties in which this
formation is not so noticeable; they are generally
found seeking their food by day, and possessing all
the activity and vigor common to other diurnal birds
of prey.

Of these we will mention the Great White or
Snowy Owl, inhabiting the same district of country
as the Hawk Owl, and several smaller varieties which
are active upon the wing in broad daylight. The
Snowy Owl is only a winter resident in the United
States, retiring during the Summer to the Arctic re-
gions. It is, as its name indicates, of a beautiful
snowy whiteness, sometimes, especially in Summer,
marked with spots of brown. It feeds on various
small quadrupeds, on Ducks and other water-fowl,
and frequents the margins of rivers and creeks for
the purpose of fishing. They will sometimes, when
pressed for food, watch at a hole in the ice for the
fish to pass, when they will catch them in the most
dexterous manner. Audubon gives the following
interesting account of this peculiar habit of the
bird : aAt the break of day, one morning, when I
lay hidden in a pile of drift logs at that place (the
Falls of the Ohio, at Louisville, Kentucky,) waiting
for a shot at some wild geese, I had an opportunity
of seeing this Owl secure fish in the following man-
ner : — While watching for their prey on the borders
of the ' pots/ they invariably lay flat on the rock,

THE SCREECH OWL. 187

with the body placed lengthwise along the border
of the hole, the head also laid down, but turned tow-
ard the water. One might have supposed the bird
sound asleep, as it would remain in the same posi-
tion until a good opportunity of securing a fish oc-
curred, which, I believe, was never missed; for, as
the latter unwittingly rose to the surface, near the
edge, that instant the Owl thrust out the foot next
the water, and, with the quickness of lightning,
seized it, and drew it out. The Owl then removed
to the distance of a few yards, devoured its prey,
and returned to the same hole ; or, if it had not
perceived any more fish, flew only a few yards over
the many 'pots' there, marked one, and alighted at
a little distance from it. It then squatted, moved
slowly toward the edge, and lay as before, waiting
for an opportunity."

The Nisrht Owls, with which we are most familiar.

*^- 7

are the Great Horned, the Long-eared, the Short-
eared, and the Little Screech Owls. The latter is
the most abundant species, and there is scarcely any
section of the Eastern and Middle States where it is
not found. Its melancholy notes are heard around
the doors of our farm-houses, as it site perched upon
a neighboring tree. Its song, if song it may be
called, resembles somewhat the syllables, " Who-o-o-
o-o-oo-oo ! " uttered through the nose tremulously,
and sometimes conveys the impression that they pro-
ceed from a child in distress. These notes are most
frequently heard during the lattei part of Winter ;
ind this being the mating season, the male bird is

188

INSESSORES.

particularly attentive to the object of his affections,
strutting about her in grotesque attitudes, and occa-
sionally saluting her
with a nod or a bow,
awkward enough to
make one laugh.
In the vicinity of

the Rocky Mountains
a curious species of
Owl is found, called
the Burrowing Owl ;
it inhabits the de-
seried holes of the
Marmots or Prairie
Dogs, which are so
abundant as some-
times to cover many
acres of ground with
their villages. In lo-
calities where these holes do not exist, the Owl is said
to make a burrow for itself, at the bottom of which it
lays its eggs. They appear to live on friendly terms
with the Marmots, but never, as has been supposed,
is the same burrow inhabited by both ; the Owl al-
ways selecting for itself one where it may retain un-
disputed possession. Their habits are strictly diurnal,
and they feed upon grasshoppers, crickets, and perhaps
on field-mice. The nest is composed of fine grass,
and placed at the extremity of the hole, where the
bird deposits four pale white eggs, about the size of
those of % pigeon.

Screech Owl.

THE PASSENGER PIGEON. 189

CHAPTER X.

INSESSORES: PULLASTR&.
CURSORES: GALLING.

PIGEONS — GREAT FLIGHT OF PIGEONS, BY "AUDUBON" —

TURTLE DOVE — WILD TURKEY AMERICAN AND GAMBLE'S

PARTRIDGE CANADA, RUFFLED. AND PINNATED GROUSE

— PTARMIGAN.

THE natural division of Birds called Pullastrse
embraces the Doves and Pigeons, the Australian
Brush Turkey, the extinct Dodo, etc.

Of all the different members belonging to these
several groups, by far the most interesting is the
Passenger, or common Wild Pigeon. It is possessed
of some of the most singular habits which we have
yet had occasion to notice in any bird. It is gifted
with the most astonishing powers of flight, both as
respects speed and continuance, one mile in a minute
being considered as the average rate at which it trav-
els, and this often for many hours together. But
the most remarkable characteristic of these curious
and interesting birds, is their habit of congregating
together at all seasons of the year, and in such num-
bers as we believe have no parallel among all the
feathered tribes of the earth. During the period of
incubation their nests will occupy almost every avail-
able spot in a tract of woodland many miles in ex-

190 INSESSORES — CURSORES

tent. In some instances they are so crowded upon
the branches, as to cause them to give way; and
when the young are fully fledged, and the place
finally deserted, so great has been the havoc and de-
struction they have caused, that what was before a
flourishing forest is converted into a wilderness of
dismantled trunks, every tree being as completely
destroyed as if girdled, and the whole ground cov-
ered with their excrements to the depth of several
inches.

But it is during their migrations that they assem-
ble in the most astonishing multitudes. These mi-
grations are performed only for the purpose of ob-
taining food, and are not influenced by any changes
in temperature, or the desire to seek a more genial
climate. Such countless thousands of hungry birds
must of necessity soon deprive a large tract of land
of all its available resources ; hence the necessity of
their frequently changing their position.

Audubon, speaking of one of these companies,
says : " In passing over the Barrens, a few miles
beyond Hardinsburg, I observed the Pigeons flying
from northeast to southwest, in greater numbers than
I thought T had ever seen them before ; and feeling
an inclination to count the flocks that might pass
within the reach of my eye in one hour, I dismounted,
seated myself on an eminence, and began to mark
with my pencil, making a dot for every flock that
passed. In a short time finding the task which 1
had undertaken impracticable, as the birds poured in
in countless multitudes, I rose; and counting the dots

(191)

THE PASSENGER PIGEON. 193

then put down, found that 163 had been made in
twenty-one minutes. I travelled on, and still met
more the further I proceeded. The air was literally
filled with Pigeons ; the light of noonday was ob-
scured as by an eclipse.

" Before sunset I reached Louisville, distant from
Hardinsburg fifty -five miles. The Pigeons were still
passing in undiminished numbers, and continued to
do so for three days in succession."

They are very fond of acorns, beech-nuts, and the
smaller fruits of the forest trees generally; and when
they have discovered a spot where these abound in
sufficient quantities to induce them to alight, they do
so in the most graceful manner, wheeling around in
circles, as though to discover if danger were near.
When fairly settled, they commence scratching among
the leaves for food, which they swallow with such haste
as sometimes fairly to choke in the process. Parts
of the flock are almost constantly changing their po-
sition, which gives it the appearance of being con-
tinually in motion.

It is a singular circumstance that the roosting-
places of these birds should be at so great a distance
from the spots where they feed, being sometimes as
much as sixty or eighty miles apart. This is no doubt
occasioned by their being compelled to change their
feeding ground frequently, while they still return to
the same nightly rendezvous.

One of these roosts is thus described by Audubon :
" It was, as is always the case, in a portion of the
forest where the trees were of great magnitude, and
17 N

194 INSESSORES — CURSORES.

where there was little underwood. I rode through
it upwards of forty miles, and, crossing it in different
parts, found its average breadth to be rather more
than three miles. My first view of it was about a
fortnight subsequent to the period when they had
made choice of it, and I arrived there nearly two
hours before sunset. Few Pigeons were then to be
seen, but a great number of persons, with horses and
wagons, guns and ammunition, had already established
encampments on the borders. Two farmers from the
vicinity of Russelville, distant more than a hundred
miles, had driven upwards of three hundred hogs to
be fattened on the pigeons which were to be slaugh-
tered. Here and there, the people employed in pluck-
ing and salting what had already been procured, were
seen sitting in the midst of large piles of these birds.
Many trees two feet in diameter, I observed, were
broken off at no great distance from the ground; and
the branches of many of the largest and tallest had
given way, as if the forest had been swept by a tor-
nado. Everything proved to me that the number
of birds resorting to this part of the forest must
be immense beyond conception. As the period of
their arrival approached, their foes anxiously pre-
pared to receive them. Some were furnished with
iron pots containing sulphur, others with torches of
pine-knots, many with poles, and the rest with guns.
The sun was lost to our view, yet not a Pigeon had
arrived. Everything was ready, and all eyes were
gazing on the clear sky, which appeared in glimpses
among the tall trees. Suddenly there burst forth a

THE PASSENGER PIGEON. 195

general cry of c Here they come !' The noise which
they made, though yet distant, reminded me of a
hard gale at sea, passing through the rigging of a
close-reefed vessel. As the hirds arrived and passed
over me, I felt a current of air that surprised me.
Thousands were soon knocked down hy the pole-men.
The birds continued to pour in. The fires were
lighted, and a magnificent, as well as wonderful and
almost terrifying, sight presented itself. The Pig-
eons, arriving by thousands, alighted everywhere one
above another, until solid masses were formed on the
branches all round. Here and there the perches
gave way under the weight, with a crash, and falling
to the ground, destroyed hundreds of the birds be-
neath, forcing down the dense groups with which
every stick was loaded. It was a scene of uproar
and confusion. I found it quite useless to speak, or
even to shout to those persons who were nearest to
me. Even the reports of the guns were seldom
heard, and I was made aware of the firing only by
seeing the shooters reloading.

" No one dared venture within the line of devas-
tation. The hogs had been penned up in due time,
the picking up of the dead and wounded being left
for the next morning's employment. The Pigeons
were constantly coming, and it was past midnight
before I perceived a decrease in the number of those
that arrived."

The Passenger Pigeon is quite abundant in almost
all parts of the Union, — roaming in wild and un-
controllable masses from one place to another, now

196

IN SES SORES — CURSORES.

appearing in one section of country,, and then quit-
ting it for an absence of years. Its plumage, though

plain, is beautifully
varied on the neck
and shoulders with
glossy feathers, re-
flecting in different
lights the resplend-
ent colors of the rain-
bow.

The Carolina Dove
is another very abun-
dant species, being
found in the breed-
ing season in nearly
every part of the
Union. They do not,

however,like the Pas-
senger Pigeon, as-
semble in large flocks, seldom being known to con-
gregate in greater numbers than two or three hundred
together, and that only during the period of migra-
tion. So very common and familiar are these birds,
that it is difficult to take a ride of many miles into
the country without meeting with them along the
road-side, always flying in pairs, keeping some dis-
tance ahead of your vehicle, and now and then alight-
ing in the middle of the road to search for food or
to dust themselves. Thus you may follow them for
some distance, until they suddenly wheel off into an
adjoining field or wood. Their flight is very swift,

Passenger Pigeon.

THE WILD TURKEY. 197

and when surprised the motion of the wings is so
rapid as to produce a peculiar whistling sound. They
are constant residents of the Middle and Southern
States, and during the Winter become very tame and
sociable, sometimes resorting to the barn-yard, and
feeding in company with the poultry.

Through the Pigeons we pass readily from the
Insessores to the Gallinse. This order comprises the
well-known Wild Turkey, the Partridges, the Grouse,
Pheasant, Guinea-fowl, etc.

The Wild Turkey, once so abundant in that part
of the country lying between the Alleghanies and
the Mississippi river, appears now to have become
quite a scarce, shy, and in some places an obsolete
bird. Like the poor Red Man who once roamed un-
restrained through the same trackless woods, the
march of civilization has encroached upon its free-
dom. And as the Indian has folded his blanket and
gradually retired before the irresistible step of the
avaricious white man, to the plains of the Far West,
so this noblest game of the forest has taken its flight
from haunts where once the murderous gun was sel-
dom heard to echo, to nestle among the secluded
wilds west of the Mississippi. Straggling companies,
however, still remain in the yet unsettled parts of
Pennsylvania, New York, and several of the Western
States, though only relics of what was formerly a
numerous and powerful tribe.

The Wild Turkey, from its weight and bulky pro-
portions, is essentially a terrestrial bird ; its food con-
sists of the fruits of forest trees, which it searches
17*

198 INSESSORES — CURSORES.

for beneath the fallen leaves, and such berries and
small fruits as are within the reach of its very limited
flight.

In the early part of the Autumn the Turkeys col-
lect in small companies, the gobblers by themselves,
and the old hens with their troops of young, which
are but about half grown. They then commence to
move about in search of fallen acorns and other
small nuts. They travel on foot except when their
progress is intercepted by rivers, or when surprised
and forced to take wing by an enemy. Audubon
says: "When they come upon a river, they betake
themselves to the highest eminences, and there often
remain a whole day, or sometimes two, as if for con-
sultation. During this time, the males are heard
gobbling, calling, and making much ado, and are
seen strutting about as if to raise their courage to a
pitch befitting the emergency. Even the females
and young assume something of the same pompous
demeanor, spread out their tails, and run round each
other, purring loudly, and performing extravagant
leaps. At length, when the weather appears settled,
and all around is quiet, the whole party mounts to
the tops of the highest trees, whence, at. a signal,
consisting of a single cluck, given by a leader, the
flock takes flight for the opposite shore. The old
and fat birds easily get over, even should the river
be a mile in breadth ; but the younger and less robr»»t;
frequently fall into the water, — not to be drowned,
however, as might be imagined. They bring their
wings close to th^ir body, spread out their tail as a

THE PARTRIDGES. 199

support, stretch forward their neck, and striking out
their legs with great vigor, proceed rapidly toward
the shore; on approaching which, should they find
it too steep for landing, they cease their exertions for
a few moments, float down the stream until they
come to an accessible part, and by a violent effort
generally extricate themselves from the water."

The plumage of the old males is very beautiful,
being almost wholly of a rich golden bronze, while
that part of the neck and head, which are mostly
bare of feathers, and the loose skin of the throat,
commonly called the wattle, are of different shades
of blue, purple, and red. They lose most of these
bright tints upon being domesticated, and after the
second year can scarcely be distinguished from the
common breeds.

The Partridge family, to which we next invite
attention, has recently been increased in number by
the addition of several very interesting and beautiful
species. "VYhen Alexander Wilson wrote his Orni-
thology, his knowledge of this group was apparently
confined to the one species which he describes.
At a later date, when Audubon was instituting
his inquiries among the birds of our Western Ter-
ritories, he added three more, and still more re-
cently three or four additional varieties have been
discovered in the newly acquired territory of Cali-
fornia and New Mexico. The plumage of all the
species is plain, and the tints mostly sombre, but of
such exquisite blendings as give them a high rank
for beauty among the Birds of America.

200 INSESSORES — CURSORES.

On the cut at the head of this Chapter we have
figured the common American Partridge and Gam-
ble's Partridge. Of the former species perhaps most
persons have some knowledge. To those who reside
in the country it is by no means a stranger, especially
in winter, when it often frequents the barn-yard to
assist the fowls in appropriating their feed ; while in
summer, its clear loud call of " Bob White! Bob, Bob
White !" is as well-known and familiar a voice as pro-
ceeds from the grove. There is something peculiarly
pleasing in this love-note of the Partridge ; the clear-
ness and distinctness with which it is uttered is sur-
prising, and the soft, mellow tones, as they come from
a distance, are full of such sweetness that they quite
inspire one with a love for the bird. It really con-
sists of three syllables instead of two; the first being
simply an aspiration, it is not heard at any great
distance. Audubon makes the whole read, "Ah,
Bob White!"

The nest of this bird is generally built at the foot
of a tuft of grass or corn-stalks ; it is slightly sunk
below the surface of the ground, and is composed of
grass so arranged as to form a sort of oven, with an
opening at one side. The number of eggs deposited
in one nest appears to vary from fifteen to twenty-
four. The young leave the nest immediately upon
being freed from the shell, and follow their mother
in search of food, and nestling under her wings in
the same manner as a brood of young chickens ,v
they generally follow her until the succeeding Spring,

GAMBLE'S PARTRIDGE. 201

when they are in full plumage, and capable of shift-
ing for themselves.

Gamble's Partridge is an inhabitant of Texas, and
was first discovered and introduced to notice by Dr.
William Gamble, in 1841. For beauty of plumage
it probably far surpasses any other species. The rich
chestnut-colored feathers which cover the sides, the
white markings upon the face and sides of the head,
and the singular plumes with which the head is or-
namented, give it a very sprightly and pleasing ap-
pearance.

General George A. M'Call, in his " Remarks on
the habits of Birds met with in Western Texas, be-
tween San Antonio and the Rio Grande, and in New
Mexico," speaking of this bird, says : "After losing
sight of the Massena Partridge, I did not fall in with
the present species until we reached the Liinpia river,
about 100 miles west of the Pecos.

" This beautiful bird, whose habits, in some re-
spects, bear resemblance to the common Partridge,
like that, seems to prefer a more genial and hospita-
ble region. In this part of the country the Mus-
quito Tree (Acacia Glandulosa) is more or less com-
mon ; and the Musquito grass, and other plants bear-
ing nutritious seeds, are abundant. Here, this Par-
tridge increases rapidly in numbers, and becomes very
fat; and, as I afterwards ascertained, is much dis-
posed to seek the farms, if any be within reach, and
to cultivate the acquaintance of man. About the
Rancho of Mr. White, near El Paso, I found them
very numerous ; and here, in flocks of fifty or a hun<

202 INSESSORES — CURSORES.

dred, they resort, morning and evening, to the barn-
yard, and feed around the grain-stacks, in company
with the poultry, where they receive their portion,
as it is scattered amongst them by the hand of the
owner." *

Of the Grouse family we number six species, only
three of which are found to the eastward of the
vicinity of the Mississippi river ; these are the Canada
Grouse, found only northward from the northern
part of New York, and the Ruffed and Pinnated
Grouse, which are very abundant, the former every-
where north of Maryland, and the latter pretty
generally distributed from Texas to Canada, more
common in the west than to the eastward. These
two species are, probably, next to the Wild Turkey,
the finest game-birds which our Eastern States pro-
duce. The markets of our cities are mostly well
supplied with them during winter ; the tenderness
and delicacy of their flesh, and the fineness of its
flavor, render it a great. favorite with our epicures.

The Pinnated Grouse, or Prairie Hen, as it is
called in the West, although clad in very plain col-
ors, is nevertheless a handsome and stately bird, es-
pecially when, during the love season, he struts
about among his rivals with tail erect and expanded,
his head thrown backward, the lateral feathers on
the neck spread to their utmost, the orange-colored
drums beneath them swelled with air, and the wings
stiffened and drooping in the manner of the Turkey

* Proceedings of Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila-
delphia, 1851.

THE PINNATED GROUSE.

203

Gobbler. He is then in full dress; and his conse-
quential attitudes and pompous manners give him
quite an animated appearance. Companies of ten or
twenty frequently assemble at daybreak, and perform
these exciting manosuvres, -which mostly result in
fiercely contested battles, in which they attack each
other in the manner of the common game-fowl.

Prairie Hen, or Pinnated Grouse.

The peculiar rolling or tooting sound which it
generally makes before sunrise, although in the un-
settled districts it is often heard from morning till
night, is produced by inflating to their full extent
the bladder-like appendages above the wings, and
then throwing the head forward, forcing it through
the throat in distinct rolling or undulating notes.

204 INSESSORES — CURSORES.

This sound, which is produced only by the male
bird, can be heard at the distance of nearly half a
mile.

The nest of this Grouse is usually placed in a tuft
of tall prairie grass, or at the foot of a clump of low
bushes. It is composed of dry leaves and grasses,
neatly interwoven together. The female lays about
twelve eggs, upon which she sits eighteen or nine-
teen days. The young leave the nest at once upon
being hatched, and soon become quite strong and
active. If a female and brood are surprised on the
prairie, the latter immediately spread their little
wings and scatter in all directions for a short dis-
tance, when they squat so close among the grass,
that it is next to impossible to find them. In the
Autumn several families club together and search
for food in company until the Spring.

We can hardly pass from the order of Gallinae
without taking some notice of the Ptarmigan. There
are several species of this beautiful and singular
bird, which are occasionally found within the United
States, but none of them are resident, their favor-
ite haunts being among the icy regions of the north.
The Willow Ptarmigan has been observed, during
Winter, in the State of Maine and also in the Rocky
Mountains. The White-tailed Ptarmigan is likewise
a Rocky Mountain bird. They all, however, seem
to prefer the more northern latitude of Hudson's
Bay and the Fur Countries as a breeding-place, only
leaving it for the south for a short time during the
severity of Winter. One species, the Rock Ptarmi-

THE ROCK PTARMIGAN.

205

gan, is found in the Rocky Mountains, in Greenland,
Labrador, Norway, and Sweden. The plumage of
this bird is very beautiful, and we have had occasion
in another chapter to notice the singular change
which it undergoes from one season to another. Dur-

Rock Ptarmigan.

ing Winter that of the male is of a snowy whiteness,
with the exception of a broad band of black extend-
ing from the base of the bill to a short distance be-
hind the eye, and the feathers of the tail, which are
black. As Summer advances the white changes into
a mixture of black, reddish-yellow, and white, beau-
tifully varied, and marked with bars, spots, and bands
of different shades. The female differs but little
from the male, in Summer, the markings being per-
haps a little less distinct.

18

206 CURSORES

CHAPTER XI.

CURSORES: ORALLY.

RAIL — WHOOPING CRANE — PLOVERS — SAND PIPERS — KILDEER

SPOTTED SAND PIPERS SNIPE — WOODCOCK — WHITE

IBIS — ROSEATE SPOONBILL — NIGHT HERON — BITTERN —
WHITE EGRET — SNOWY HERON — AMERICAN FLAMINGO.

IN entering upon the consideration of the fifth
order of Birds (Grallatores), the scenes through
•which our rambles lay will change materially. The
birds we have thus far described, have, for the most
part, led us to the fields and woods, where we have
marked their graceful motions, flitting from tree to
tree and from grove to grove, or with matchless ease
winging their wild aerial course, high in the vault
of Heaven. But those which we now come to treat
of are mostly the denizens of low marshy grounds,
the borders of streams and lakes, and the shores of
the Ocean, — localities which their peculiar formation
fits them to inhabit. With a few exceptions, a long
bill and a pair of long legs, and a correspondingly
long nock, are the prominent characteristics of this
order.

The first family which we shall notice is that of
the Rail. These birds frequent most of the low
grounds bordering on streams and lakes, both inland

American Flamingo.

(207)

THE RAILS. 209

and near the coast. There are numerous varieties
of the Rails, the most common of which are the
Sora Rail and the Virginia Rail. They are both
more or less abundant, during the summer months,
as far northward as Massachusetts, but retire to the
Southern States and Mexico to winter. The flight
of these birds during their migrations is swift and
long continued, and is performed with a constant
beating of the wings. At other times they seem to
possess but little activity, except in the use of their
legs; their flight being slow and heavy, with the
legs dangling, and seldom prolonged to any great
distance. The Sora Rail, if pursued by the sports-
man, after being forced to rise several times, will at
last dive under the water and secrete itself beneath
floating weeds, with its bill only above the surface.
Respecting this bird Audubon says : " The most cu-
rious habit or instinct of this species is the nicety
of sense by which they can ascertain the last moment
they can remain at any of the feeding grounds at
which they tarry in Autumn. One day, you may see
or hear the Soras in their favorite marshes, you may
be aware of their presence in the dusk of evening;
but when you return to the place early next morning,
they are all gone. Yesterday the weather was mild,
to-day it is cold and raw ; and no doubt the Soras
were aware that a change was at hand, and secured
themselves from its influence by a prompt movement
under night."

The plumage of the Rails, although plainly colored,
is very soft and compact, particularly on the breast.

o

210

OURSORES.

This is very observable in the Virginia Rail, the fea-
thers forming a thick, close, and almost impervious
covering, protecting it from the water, in which it
not only wades to a considerable depth, but also
swims with great ease. This bird is extremely active
upon its feet, and upon a level run would almost be

a match for a man. If pursued by a dog it will run
for a short distance and then tack about, or will rise
upon the wing, and with dangling legs fly some dozen
yards or so, and then dropping among the grass,
scamper off as fast as possible. At the approach of
danger it will sometimes cling to the stems of the
weeds below the surface of the water, among which
it seems almost as much at home as when nimbly
skipping about over the broad leaves of the Water
Lily which abounds in our inland ponds.

The nest of this Rail is placed on a small eleva-
tion formed by collecting together the stalks of a

THE WADERS. 211

large bunch of grasses; in the centre of this is ar-
ranged a quantity of dry weeds to the depth of sev-
eral inches; upon this slight bed the eggs are depos-
ited, generally four or five in number. The young,
when first hatched, are covered with a soft black
down, and soon learn to follow the hen through the
wet meadows, and upon the sound of danger to enter
the water fearlessly.

The food of these birds consists of aquatic insects,
snails, worms, Crustacea, and the seeds of various
grasses which abound in the marshes where they re-
side. Their habits are partially nocturnal, as they
feed both by night and day.

The families and species composing the order Gral-
latores are so numerous, that it would be impossible,
in the limits assigned to this work, to give even a
slight glance at the habits of any considerable por-
tion of them ; we must, therefore, passing over many
familiar and interesting species, confine ourselves to
some of the most prominent, and such as will most
clearly illustrate the peculiar manners of the Waders.

Late in the Autumn, when the chilling blasts from
the regions of eternal snow are beginning to be felt
in more southern latitudes, bringing with them myr-
iads of the summer visitors to an Arctic climate, vast
trains of ducks, geese, etc., to seek again their win-
ter resorts beneath a milder sky, — then may be heard
in the vicinity of our inland lakes and streams the
harsh voice of the Whooping Cranes, as they pass
swiftly overhead, in companies of from ten to fifty.
While migrating they fly high in the air, but when

212 CURSORES.

near the spot where they purpose to search for food,
they gradually descend, wheeling around in circles
over the place until they reach the ground. Here
they present a graceful and elegant appearance, the
old birds in particular being stately and beautiful
objects. The plumage is mostly of a snowy white-
ness, except the primaries and the primary coverts,
which are nearly black. This bird is quite unknown
as a resident or even a transient visitor in the East-
ern and Middle States, its haunts being confined to
the South and West. It winters as far south as Mex-
ico, and breeds from Oregon northward to the Arctic

regions.

Their food consists of the roots of plants, which
they dig up with great labor from the mud of shal-
low ponds which have dried up during Summer;
they also resort to the plantations of sweet potatoes,
and dig among the hills for the few roots which may
have been left in the ground by the farmer. They
will also feed on small reptiles, such as frogs, toads,
lizards, and even small snakes.

They are said to be extremely wary birds, and very
difficult to approach, the least rustling of leaves or
the cracking of a stick under foot being sufficient to
alarm them, although they may be at a considerable
distance. Their sense of sight and hearing is so
keen, that they will hear the approach of a hunter
at a great distance, and will discover him long before
he can see them. When once aware of his advances,
no matter how cautious he may be, they will geno.r-

THE PLOVERS.

213

ally prove too much for him, eluding all his attempts
to gain access to them.

Prominent among the many attractive objects which
may engage the attention of the young naturalist,
while tarrying by the sea-side, are those active and
beautiful little creatures, the Plovers and Sand Pi-
pers. The species which frequent the whole line of

Sand Piper.

our sea-coast are quite numerous, and the study of
their habits would alone afford entertainment and oc-
cupation for nearly a whole season. See how beau-
tiful and graceful are their motions as they course
along the sand, stopping to examine the shells which
the tide in its recess has left upon the beach, or fol-
lowing the retreating breakers to pick up the minute
shell-fish borne in by the wave.

Among these we can hardly fail to notice the Ring
Plover, Wilson's Plover, and the Piping Plover, —
the latter a most beautiful, active, and lovely little

214 CURSORES.

bird. It has a sweet, soft, and musical note, which
is uttered with a somewhat deceptive effect, and is
often heard proceeding from various quarters at the
same time, without our being able to discover its
source. The flight of this bird is extremely swift,
and there are few of its kind that are fleeter of foot.
It will run in a straight line before you with such
speed that it requires a keen eye to follow it. The
nest of the Piping Plover consists merely of a small
hole scooped out of the sand, often near the base of
a tuft of grass. The female lays four eggs, which
are mostly hatched by the warmth of the sand, ac-
quired by exposure to a hot sun. The female, how-
ever, always sits upon them by night and during
rough weather. The young leave the nest immedi-
ately upon being released from the shell, and run
about with great activity; and upon the approach
of danger they squat so close to the ground, which
they very much resemble in color, that it is difficult
to discover them.

Although the Plovers are generally abundant on
all our Atlantic coasts, yet their haunts are by no
means confined to such localities. Many which fre-
quent the sea during the Spring, retire far inland to
breed, and some species are seldom known upon the
coast. Of those which inhabit our meadows and low
grounds, we will select the Kildeer Plover, as the
most familiar and the most beautiful.

Almost every farm-house can boast of its pair of
Kildeers, which may be seen skimming most grace-
fully over the fields and meadows, repeating their

THE KILDEER PLOVER.

215

well-known cry of " Kildeer ! Kildeer ! dee, dee,
dee!" At such times their flight is powerful and
easy, somewhat resembling that of the smaller Hawks.
Now and then one may be seen following in the track

Kildeer Plover.

of the ploughman, picking up the grubs and worms
from the fresh soil. And again you may find him
coursing along the shores of some running stream,
or upon the muddy banks of a mill-pond, feeding
upon the snails or mud-worms which abound in such
places. Sometimes it wades into the water to wash
and plume its coat, and laying itself down, flutters
its wings and splashes about in great glee, until it
becomes pretty well soaked, when it retires to a sunny
spot to dry.

The nest of this bird is a simple affair, being as
a general thing merely a hollow scooped out of the
earth, and, when in a wet situation, a few stems are
placed around it as a protection. The eggs are four

216 CUR SORES.

in number, and of a cream color, with markings of
brown and black. During the period of incubation,
and immediately after the hatching of the young, the
old birds manifest much anxiety at the approach of
danger. The female endeavors by the usual strata-
gem of feigned lameness to entice the intruder away,
while the male wheels about overhead in an excited
manner, uttering his most earnest entreaties or his
most angry reproofs, in hopes no doubt of averting
the ruin of his family.

The Kildeer is in every respect a beautiful bird.
Whether seen at a distance, sailing or diving with
such graceful ease through the buoyant air, or whether
upon a nearer view we look upon the lively tints of
his exquisite plumage, we cannot but feel that he
too is worthy of our notice, and to become the wel-
come companion of our rambles.

Among the many active little Sand Pipers to be
seen upon our coasts in the Spring and Autumn, are
the Red-breasted Sand Piper, the Purple Sand Piper,
the Red-backed Sand Piper, and the Semi-palmated
Sand Piper. Let us see what we can find out in re-
lation to some of them. Of the Red-backed Sand
Piper Audubon says : " In Autumn and Winter, this
species is abundant along the whole range of our
coast, wherever the shores are sandy or muddy, from
Maine to the mouths of the Mississippi; but I never
found one far inland. Sometimes they collect in
flocks of several hundred individuals, and are seen
wheeling over the water near the shores or over the
beaches, in beautiful order, and now and then so close

THE PURPLE SAND PIPER. 217

together as to afford an excellent shot, especially when
they suddenly alight in a mass near the sportsman,
or when, swiftly veering, they expose their loweJ
parts at the same moment. On such occasions a
dozen or more may be killed at once, provided the
proper moment is chosen.

" There seems to be a kind of impatience in this
bird that prevents it from remaining any length of
time in the same place, and you may see it, scarcely
alighted on a sand-bar, fly off without any apparent
reason to another, where it settles, runs for a few
moments, and a»;ain starts off on wins. When search-

I O O

ing for food they run with great agility, following the
retiring waves, and retreating as they advance; pro-
bing the wet sands, and picking up objects from their
surface, ever jerking up the tail, and now and then
littering a faint cry, pleasant to the ear, and differing
from the kind of scream which they emit while on

wing."

This bird appears to be an inhabitant of both con-
tinents, and although so abundant along the coasts
at some seasons, they appear always to retire to the
Arctic regions to breed.

The Purple Sand Piper frequents the Atlantic
shores from Maine to New York during the Spring
and Autumn, but passes the Summer in the Hudson's
Bay country. While in the south it seems to prefer
rocky shores to the sandy beaches. Their food con-
gists of small shell-fish, worms, and the marine in-
sects which abound among the drifting sea-weeds.

The Semi-palmated Sand Piper is one of those spe-
19

218

CURSORES.

cies whose migrations are not confined to the coast.
Leaving Mexico in the early Spring, these birds
spread themselves eastward along the Gulf and At-
lantic shores, and northward by the Mississippi and
other western rivers, making some tarriance in such
situations as are suited to their taste or convenience,
but gradually advancing toward the coaste of Labra-
dor, which appear to be their favorite summer haunts ;
some, however, remaining upon the sea-coast of the
Middle and Southern States during the whole season.

Spotted Sand Piper.

The beautiful and familiar little bird, commonly
known as the Spotted Sand Piper, does not strictly
belong in the same family with the above-named
species, but being very closely allied, we will notice
it here.

During the spring and summer months, all our
rivers, small streams, and ponds, seem to abound with
this active and sprightly creature While upon the

THE SPOTTED SAND PIPER. 219

ground it appears to be constantly in motion, now
darting along the water's edge after a spider, and
now dabbling in the mud with its bill in search of
worms, all the while wagging its stumpy little tail in
a most ludicrous manner; no matter in what position
it is seen, except when flying, this perpetual motion
of the tail is observable j and even the young acquire
the singular habit almost immediately upon leaving
the shell. These little fellows also run about with
wonderful speed, which no doubt enables them to
escape danger with great facility. The old birds
manifest great anxiety in protecting them, fluttering
about with much concern at the approach of an in-
truder, using every stratagem they are capable of to
secure their escape. The following beautiful incident
is related by Wilson :

" My venerable friend, Mr. William Bartram, in-
forms rne that he saw one of these birds defend her
young for a considerable time from the repeated at-
tacks of a ground-squirrel. The scene of action was
on the river shore. The parent had thrown herself,
with her two young behind her, between them and
the land ; and at every attempt of the squirrel to
seize them by a circuitous sweep, raised both her
wings in an almost perpendicular position, assuming
the most formidable appearance she was capable of,
and rushed forward on the squirrel, who, intimi-
dated by her boldness and manner, instantly re-
treated ; but, presently returning, was met as before,
in front and on flank, by the daring and affectionate
bird, who, with her wings and whole plumage brist-

220

CURSORES.

ling up, seemed swelled to twice her usual size. The
young crowded together behind her, apparently sen-
sible of their perilous situation, moving backward
and forward as she advanced or retreated. This in-
teresting scene lasted for at least ten minutes; the
strength of the poor parent began evidently to flag,
and the attacks of the squirrel became more daring
and frequent, when my good friend stepped forward
from his retreat, drove the assailant back to his hole,
and rescued the innocent from destruction."

Two of the commonest and best - known birds
among the Grallatores are probably the Snipe and
the Woodcock. Renowned among the gunners as
affording the rarest and most exciting sport, and no

Snipe.

less renowned among the gastronomes of our cities,
who love better to indulge their appetites over a well-
cooked brace of either, than to apply their energies
to the doubtful and difficult task of obtaining them.

THE WOODCOCK. 221

The Snipe is familiar only as a transient visitor
during Spring and Autumn, its summer haunts being
among the cold countries of the north, where it
raises its brood and returns to pass the Winter in the
south.

The Woodcock is a summer resident in the North-
ern, Eastern, and Middle States, where it is a very
abundant species, frequenting the low grounds and
swampy woods of almost every neighborhood. This
fact would perhaps be disputed by some in conse-
quence of their not being aware that the habits of
the bird are nocturnal, and would not therefore meet
the eye of most, unless accidentally disturbed. The
early twilight is the signal for the Woodcocks to re
tire to their cover, and the approach of dusk to sally
forth in quest of food ; this consists of earth-worms,
which they obtain by probing the soft mire with their
bills, through which they appear to suck them up
without withdrawing their bills from the mud, in the
manner of the Curlews and some other water birds.
They will sometimes resort to the woodland and
scratch among the dry leaves for the worms which
are often secreted there ; but this probably is only
during hot weather, when the marshy places are
partly dry, and the supply of food less abundant.

Neither in respect to form nor general appearance
can the Woodcock lay claim to beauty or grace. The
markings of its plumage are indeed very delicate,
but the contrasts of color are less pleasing than in
many of its associates. The head, which is rather a
shapeless affair, has the appearance of being a con-
19*

222 CURSORES.

stant burden, and the eyes, which are large, are
placed so high up as to give it quite a singular look ;
but these peculiarities, no doubt, assist it in its noc-
turnal rambles, the large eye admitting more light,
and its elevated position commanding a greater range
of vision. Thus, it can discover with greater ease
the approach of an enemy, and while flying over its
favorite feeding grounds, can more readily select a
spot suited to its tastes.

The nest of this bird is loosely built of dry leaves
and grass, and generally placed at the foot of some
low bush, or by the side of a prostrate log, in the
darkest and most secluded part of the woods. The
eggs are mostly four, and are of a clayish-colored
ground, with irregular patches of brown and purple
thickly sprinkled over the surface. The young com-
mence to run about as soon as hatched, and so rapid
is their growth, that at the age of six weeks they are
almost as active on the wing as their parents.

The next family of the Waders which we shall no-
tice, is that of the Ibis; of this group we number
four species, one of which, the richly-colored Scarlet
Ibis, is a very doubtful resident among us, as a few
only have ever been seen in the country, and it seems
likely that its occurrence among us has been purely
accidental, as it is evidently a native of a warm
Southern climate. It appears to be quite plentiful
in the West India Islands, and in the Bahamas,
which are no doubt its natural haunts.

The White Ibis inhabits the southern parts of
Florida, where it is resident. In Summer, some in-

THE WHITE IBIS. 223

dividuals have been seen as far north as New Jersey,
but it may be considered rare north of the Carolinas.
On some of the islands at the southern extremity of
Florida these birds congregate in great numbers to
breed. Their nests are placed on the low shrubbery
or trees, and are sometimes very close together, Au-
dubon having counted forty-seven on a single plum-
tree.

Respecting some of its habits we quote the follow-
ing from the above-named author : " The flight of
the White Ibis is rapid and protracted. Like all
other species of the genus, these birds pass through
the air with alternate flappings and sailings; and I
have thought that the use of either mode depended
upon the leader of the flock ; for, with the most per-
fect regularity, each individual follows the motions
of that preceding it, so that a constant appearance of
regular undulations is produced through the whole
line. If one is shot at this time, the whole line is
immediately broken up, and for a few minutes all is
disorder ; but as they continue their course, they soon
resume their former arrangement. The wounded bird
never attempts to bite or to defend itself in any man-
ner, although, if only winged, it runs off with such
speed as often to escape the pursuer.

" At other times the White Ibis, like the Red and
the Wood Ibises, rises to a great height in the air,
where it performs beautiful evolutions. After they
have thus, as it were, amused themselves for some
time, they glide down with astonishing speed, and
alight either on trees or on the ground. Should the

224 CURSORES. "

sun be shining, they appear in their full beauty, and
the glossy black tips of their wings form a fine con-
trast with the yellowish white of the rest of their
plumage.

" The manner in which this bird searches for its
food is very curious. The Woodcock and the Snipe,
it is true, are probers as well as it, but their task
requires less ingenuity than is exercised by the White
or Red Ibis. It is also true that the White Ibis fre-
quently seizes on small crabs, slugs, and snails, and
even at times on flying insects ; but its usual mode
of procuring food is a strong proof that cunning en-
ters as a principal ingredient in its instinct. The
cray-fish often burrows to the depth of three or four
feet in dry weather, for before it can be comfortable
it must reach the water. This is generally the case
during the prolonged heats of Summer, at which time
the White Ibis is most pushed for food. The bird,
to procure the cray-fish, walks with remarkable care
toward the mounds of mud which the latter throws
up in forming its hole, and breaks up the upper part
of the fabric, dropping the fragments into the deep
cavity that has been made by the animal. Then the
Ibis retires a single step, and patiently waits the re-
sult. The cray-fish, incommoded by the load of
earth, instantly sets to work anew, and at last reaches
the entrance of its burrow; but the moment it comes
in sight, the Ibis seizes it with his bill."

In the localities where the Ibis abounds may also
be seen the graceful form and beautiful colors of that
singular bird, the Koseate Spoonbill. It is much to

THE ROSEATE SPOONBILL.

225

be regretted that so many of the most beautiful water
birds should be confined in their rambles to the south-
ern extremity of our country. How nicely would
this noble and elegant bird decorate the Fauna of our
Northern and Middle States ! It is not likely, how-
ever, that any are to be found much to the northward

Roseate Spoonbill.

Night Heron.

of the lower parts of Georgia; its principal haunts
being near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and
the extensive bayous and inlets which abound in the
vicinity. Let us imagine ourselves upon one of those
beautiful islands or keys which skirt the southern

226 CURSORES.

coast of the Evergreen State. Amidst a dense growth
of Cactus, with its sharp and rigid spines everywhere
menacing our steps ; a wide-spread expanse of water
is before us, whose surface is as lovely and tranquil
as the sky that overshadows it; here and there the
tall stems of the graceful palm-trees are reflected
upon its bosom. In this secluded spot the sight of a
flock of these birds may frequently be enjoyed, and,
if well concealed from their view, we may study
their manners at our leisure. Standing with their
wings partly extended, in the bright rays of the sun
they present a beautiful spectacle, the deep roseate
tints upon the sides and upon the wings being then
displayed to the finest advantage. Behold them mov-
ing about, with measured tread and stately attitude,
upon the muddy shore, or wading into the shallows
to search for food. Here their broad spoon-like bills
are brought into energetic action. Thrusting the
head and sometimes the neck into the water or mire,
and seizing upon the various small shell-fish, insects,
and other water animals, they literally chew them up
with their powerful bills before swallowing them.
After feeding awhile, they will all indulge in a wild
sally into the free air, ascending sometimes to a con-
siderable height, moving about in the most graceful
manner, crossing and recrossing each other, and per-
forming a great variety of interesting aerial evolu-
tions ; then the whole flock suddenly return to their
feeding grounds, plunging through the air with great
power and speed.

Associated with the Spoonbills will be found a great

THE NIGHT HERON. 227

variety of another class of Waders, called Herons,
which are not only much more abundant, but more
widely distributed, — many of the species extending
their migrations as far to the north as the State of
Maine. Among those with which our readers are
most likely to be familiar, are the Night Heron, or
Qua-Bird, the Bittern, the Great White Egret, and
the Snowy Heron, or Little Egret. A full-plumaged
male Night Heron is unquestionably a beautiful bird.
Standing about two feet in height, its head crowned
with a loose, flowing crest of elongated feathers of a
shining green of the deepest shade, from the centre
of which project three slender feathers, pure white,
and about eight inches in length, each having its
edges so rolled up as to make it a perfect tube. Tho
upper part of the back and the scapulars are of a
deep blackish green, the wings grey, with a shade of
lilac. The throat is pure white, which gradually
shades into a light cream color upon the breast and
whole lower parts.

Except during the breeding season, this is a shy
and wary bird, and extremely difficult to approach.
While a flock is engaged in feeding, one of their
number acts as sentinel, to give the alarm at the
least sound of danger. This is a common practice
with many birds of this class, and it is said that the
Spoonbills feed with great confidence when in com-
pany with Herons, taking warning at the voice of
their sentinel. The Night Heron may be examined
at leisure, and even shot in great numbers, by secre-
ting oneself near the spot where they regularly roost

228 CURSORES.

by day. Here, as they arrive singly or a few at a
time, a good opportunity is afforded the naturalist
to study some of their habits. In the selection of a
breeding place, they generally assemble in small com-
panies of from twenty to fifty, and appropriate a
clump of cedars, cypress, or mangrove, according
to the locality which they inhabit, where their nests
sometimes crowd the branches to within a few feet
of the ground. These Heronries are mostly upon
the borders of some stagnant pools or in the vicinity
of cedar, cypress, and other swamps, as well as upon
the shores of those sea-islands which are covered
with evergreens. The nests are large, and irregu-
larly formed of sticks placed one above another, to
the height of a few inches ; their structure is some-
times so slight as to tumble to pieces before the young
are fit to fly. These birds, when once in possession
of a breeding place suited to their tastes, will return
to it annually, and repair the old nests, until circum-
stances force them to abandon it.*

The Great White Egret is another of those elegant
and stately birds with which our water scenery is
often beautified. Along the banks of our great riv-
ers, and sometimes of our smaller streams and mill-
ponds, groups of these fairy-looking creatures may
frequently be seen, wading at their leisure among
the tall reeds and other plants which abound in the
shallow water. Here, with untiring patience, they
move about slowly and cautiously, awaiting the ap-
yearance of some unlucky fish, or water animals of

* Audubon.

THE GREAT WHITE EGRET. 220

almost any kind. If it is possible to approach them
sufficiently near to observe their motions while thus
occupied, we shall hardly fail to be gratified with the
sight. Here is one fine fellow, standing over three
feet and a half in height. He has straightened up
his tall and graceful figure to its full extent, and is
looking around suspiciously, but not observing any
danger, he composes himself to his work. What a
noble bird ! His plumage, of snowy whiteness, fairly
glistens in the sun's rays; and the long, flowing
plumes, which form a train of exquisite delicacy, are
waving in the gentle breeze. Now with silent watch-
fulness he intently eyes the quiet water, his neck
curved so as to bring the head to rest above the
shoulders. In this position he stands motionless as
a statue, engaged either in quietly contemplating
what is going on around him, or perhaps in watch-
ing for fresh game. Let us now apprise them that
we are too near for their convenience. Suddenly the
whole troop spread their broad wings, and in the
most majestic manner move slowly away. For a long
distance we can watch them } their heads drawn in
to the shoulders, the long legs extended to their ut-
most in the rear, like a rudder, and their ample wings
beating the air in slow and measured strokes. This
showy bird appears to inhabit the whole line of the
Atlantic States as far as Massachusetts, confining
itself principally to the vicinity of those waters which
flow toward the sea, seldom, if ever, being found very
far in the interior.

The Little Egret, or Snowy Heron, is another of
20

230

CURSORES.

those birds which are always conspicuous for the per-
fect whiteness of their plumage ; but of all the spe-
cies, this is probably gifted with a coat of the most

delicate and beauti-
ful texture. The
head is ornamented
with a long, flow-
ing crest, composed
of fine thread-like
plumes. Upon the
lower part of the
neck the feathers
are lengthened, and
hang down in what
might be called a
loose beard-like tuft,
while from the up-
per part of the back
proceed a number of
jong slender plumes
of lace-like delicacy, extending over the rump and
turning upward at the extremity, the fine filaments
hanging from the shafts like the hair from the tail
of a bobtailed horse.

This beautiful bird seems to give the preference to
the salt marshes, which line the coast from Maine to
Florida. Here, during the breeding season, they are
generally abundant; and, as is the custom of the
Herons, their nests are clustered together in commu-
nities of greater or less numbers, according to cir-
cumstances. In New Jersey, the cedars which gen-

Heron.

THE AMERICAN FLAMINGO. 231

erally skirt the low grounds near the shore, are se-
lected as their resort. The nests are placed some-
times two or three upon the same tree,' but seldom
more. In whatever position they build, it is said
that the nests always front the water, and very often
overhang it. These communities seem very social in
their disposition, living upon good terms with the
Night Herons, Green Herons, and Grakles which
have their nests near by.

We cannot close our notices of the Grallatores with-
out a brief description of that gorgeously plumaged
bird, the American Flamingo. Although extremely
rare, and seldom seen within our territory except
upon the most southern extremity of Florida, and
upon the little islands which skirt its coast, it seems
entitled to a place among those which annually visit us
from the south.

This elegant bird is about four feet in height, and
is wholly of a bright scarlet color, with the exception
of the primaries and a part of the secondaries, which
are black. Its habits are very similar to those of the
Waders in general ; its flight consists of alternate sail-
ing and flapping of the wings, the neck and legs be-
ing both extended to the utmost. The nest of the

o

Flamingo is a curious structure; it is built in the
midst of the shallow water of some salt-pond, the
mud being heaped up into a pile about two or three
feet high, on the top of which a hollow is scooped
out, where the female lays two white eggs about the
size of those of a goose. In covering the eggs dur-
ing incubation, she is obliged to stand with one foot

232 CURSORES.

in the water, her body being supported by the nest.
The Flamingo, like its neighbors the Herons, is ex-
ceedingly shy and difficult to approach j when moving
over the water, it generally flies low, but upon near-
ing land, unless its purpose is to alight, it imme-
diately ascends to a considerable height, as though
to escape danger. We clip the following from Audu-
bon's notes respecting this bird :

" On the 7th of May, 1832, while sailing from In-
dian Key, one of the numerous islets that skirt the
southeastern coast of the Peninsula of Florida, I for
the first time saw a flock of Flamingoes. It was on
the afternoon of one of those sultry days which, in
that portion of the country, exhibit toward evening
the most glorious effulgence that can be conceived.
The sun, now far advanced toward the horizon, still
shone with full splendor, the ocean around glittered
in its quiet beauty, and the light fleecy clouds that
here and there spotted the heavens, seemed flakes of
snow margined with gold. Our bark was propelled
almost as if by magic, for scarcely was a ripple raised
by her bows as we moved in silence. Far away to
seaward we spied a flock of Flamingoes advancing
in i Indian line' with well-spread wings, outstretched
necks, and long legs directed backward. Ah ! reader,
could you but know the emotions that then agitated
my breast ! I thought I had now reached the height
of all my expectations, for my voyage to the Floridas
was undertaken in a great measure for the purpose
of studying these lovely birds in their own beautiful
islands. I followed them with my eyes, watching aa

THE AMERICAN FLAMINGO. 233

it were every beat of their wings ; and as they were
rapidly advancing toward us, Captain D. A. Y., who
was aware of my anxiety to procure some, had every
man stowed away out of sight, and our gunners in
readiness. The pilot, Mr. Egan, proposed to offw the
first taste of his ( groceries ' to the leader of the band.
He was a first-rate shot, and had already killed many
Flamingoes. The birds were now, as I thought,
within a hundred and fifty yards ; when suddenly, to
our extreme disappointment, their chief veered away,
and was of course followed by the rest. Mr. Egan,
however, assured us that they would fly round the
Key, and alight not far from us, in less than ten
minutes ; which in fact they did, although to me these
minutes seemed almost hours. 'Now they come/
said the pilot; ' keep low/ This we did ; but, alas !
the Flamingoes were all, as I suppose, very old and
experienced birds, with the exception of one ; for on
turning round the lower end of the Key, they spied
our boat, again sailed away without flapping their
wings, and alighted about four hundred yards from
us, and upward of one hundred from the shore, on
a l soap-flat' of vast extent, where neither boat nor
man could approach them."

20*

NATATORES.

CHAPTER XII.

NATATORES.

AMERICAN SWAN — MALLARD DUCK — WOOD DUCK — CANVASS-
BACK — EIDER AND LONG-TAIL DUCK — HOODED MERGANSER
ARCTIC TERN — GULLS — PETREL.

THE Natatores comprises a large variety of Geese,
Swans, Ducks, Gulls, Tern, and all other web-footed
birds, except the Flamingo, which, notwithstanding
it has this peculiarity, we have placed among the
Grallatores, its habits and manners, and general ap-
pearance, agreeing more nearly with them than with
the Natatores. It, however, appears to be a connect-
ing link between the two, the form of the bill and
the mode of feeding being similar to that of the
Duck tribe ; while its long legs, stately attitude, its
wading propensities, and other prominent character-
istics, must ever associate it with the Heron and
other kindred families.

The limits of this work will not admit of our en-
tering into any very extensive description of the
many beautiful and interesting objects which will
present themselves to our view as we examine the
field before us. Without intending to slight our
web-footed friends, we shall therefore select for de-
scription a few honest representatives from the various

THE CANADA GOOSE

235

families which compose the order, giving slight no-
tices to others as occasion may offer.

We will commence with the Canada Goose, a very
abundant species in the Northern, Middle, and
Western States, at some seasons of the year. During

Summer, these birds seek the more remote district
of Labrador, where they breed, — returning, however,
at the first approach of cold, and distributing them-
selves throughout a vast extent of country to the
southward during Winter.

The habits of this bird are quite interesting, and

236 NATATORES.

from a most graphic description of them given by
Audubon, we glean the following particulars :

" The general spring migrations of the Canada
Goose maybe stated to commence with the first melt-
ing of the snows in our Middle and Western dis-
tricts, or from the 20th of March to the end of April;
but the precise time of its departure is always deter-
mined by the advance of the season • and the vast
flocks that winter in the great savannas or swampy
prairies southwest of the Mississippi, such as exist
in the Opelousas, on the borders of the Arkansas
river, or in the dismal ( Everglades ' of the Floridas,
are often seen to take their flight, and steer their
course northward, a month earlier than the first of
the above-mentioned periods.

" It is my opinion that all the birds of this species,
which leave our States and Territories each Spring
for the distant north, pair before they depart. This,
no doubt, necessarily results from the nature of their
place of summer residence, where the genial season
is so short as scarcely to afford them sufficient time
for bringing up their young and renewing their plu-
mage, before the rigors of advancing Winter force
them to commence their flight toward milder coun-
tries. This opinion is founded on the following
facts: — I have frequently observed large flocks of
Geese, in ponds or marshy grounds, or even on dry
Band-bars, the mated birds renewing their courtships
as early as the month of January, while the other
individuals would be contending or coquetting for
hours every day, until they all seemed satisfied with

THE CANADA GOOSE. 237

the choice they had made; after which, although
they remained together, any person could easily per-
ceive that they were careful to keep in pairs.

" Such are the conflicts of these ardent lovers, and
so full of courage and of affection toward their fe-
males are they, that the approach of a male invaria-
bly ruffles their tempers as well as their feathers. No
sooner has the goose laid her first egg, than her bold
mate stands almost erect by her side, watching even
the rustling sound of the breeze. The least noise
brings from him a sound of anger. Should he spy
a raccoon making its way among the grass, he walks
up to him undauntedly, hurls a vigorous blow at him,
and drives him instantly away. Nay, I doubt if man
himself, unarmed, would come off unscathed in such
an encounter.

" The Canada Goose is less shy when met with far
inland, than when on the sea-coast. They usually
feed in the manner of swans and fresh water ducks,
that is, by plunging their heads toward the bottom
of shallow ponds or the borders of lakes and rivers,
immersing their fore parts, and frequently exhibiting
their legs and feet with the posterior portion of their
body elevated in the air. They never dive on such
occasions. Wherever you find them, and however
remote from the haunts of man the place may be,
they are at all times so vigilant and suspicious, that
it is extremely rare to surprise them. In keenness
of sight and acuteness of hearing, they are perhaps
surpassed by no bird whatever. They act as senti-
nels toward each other, and during the hours at which

238 NATATORES.

the flock reposes, one or more ganders stand on the
watch. At the sight of cattle, horses, or animals of
the deer kind, they are seldom alarmed, but a bear
or a cougar is instantly announced ; and if on such
occasions the flock is on the ground near water, the
birds immediately betake themselves in silence to the
latter, swim to the middle of the pond or river, and
there remain until danger is over. So acute is their
sense of hearing, that they are able to distinguish
the different sounds or footsteps of their foes with
astonishing accuracy. Thus the breaking of a dry
stick by a deer is at once distinguished from the same
accident occasioned by a man. If a dozen of large
turtles drop into the water, making a great noise in
their fall, or if the same effect is produced by an
alligator, the Wild Goose pays no regard to it ; but
however faint and distant may be the sound of an
Indian's paddle, that may by accident have struck
the side of his canoe, it is at once marked, every in-
dividual raises its head and looks intently toward
the place from which the noise has proceeded, and
in silence all watch the movements of their enemy."
Of the Swan family we have two species, the
American Swan and the Trumpeter Swan. The lat-
ter appears to be exclusively a western species, being
most abundant in the vicinity of the Mississippi, Mis-
souri, and other western rivers, during Winter, and
breeding from California northward to the fur coun-
tries. The American Swan is found in Winter along
the Atlantic coasts, sometimes in considerable num-
bers, particularly in Chesapeake Bay, but appears to

THE AMERICAN SWAN. 239

be scarce south of this, its principal haunts being to
the northward. During the summer months the
shores of the Polar Sea afford it a safe retreat, where
it may rear its young in comparative safety

American Swan.

The flight of these birds is powerful and rapid,
and is often prolonged to a wonderful extent. Dur-
ing their migrations they soar to a great height, over-
topping the mountains, and seldom pause during the
journey between our latitude and the place of their
summer abode, except when their progress is impeded
by a storm, above the region of which they mostly
travel. They always advance in small flocks in the
shape of a V, the leader being at the point. When
they arrive at the place of their destination, which
is generally at night, they occupy themselves at once
in making amends for their long abstinence from food,
and join in a wild chorus of congratulations which
almost makes the shores ring. While feeding, or dur«

240

NATATORES.

ing the operation of dressing and arranging their
plumage, they are apt to be very noisy, their notes
varying much from high to low, according to circum-
stances. But so vigilant are they, that upon the least
note of alarm from the sentinel all is immediately
quiet, and they move noiselessly away from the scene
of danger.

Mallard Duck.

Of the Duck tribe we have a large number of spe-
cies, many of them possessed of beautiful plumage
and interesting habits. Quite prominent among these
is the Common Mallard, with its stately head of rich
golden green, and back and breast and wings of va-
ried shades of brown and blue and black and white.
From this fine bird has sprung many of the races
of Domestic Ducks which are now dispersed over the
country. But in his wild state he bears so little re-
semblance to his degenerate progeny, that one would
scarcely recognize his connection with it. The Mai-

THE MALLARD DUCK. 241

lard is found in most parts of the country during the
winter season, except in the Eastern States. Audu-
bon says they " generally arrive in Kentucky and
other parts of the western country [from the north],
from the middle of September to the first of October,
or as soon as the acorns and beech-nuts are fully ripe
In a few days they are to be found in all the ponds
that are covered with seed-bearing grasses. Some
flocks, which appear to be guided by an experienced
leader, come directly down on the water with a rust-
ling sound of their wings, that can be compared only
to the noise produced by an Eagle in the act of stoop-
ing upon its prey; while other flocks, as if they felt
uneasy respecting the safety of the place, sweep
around and above it several times in perfect silence,
before they alight. In either case, the birds imme-
diately bathe themselves, beat their bodies with their
wings, dive by short plunges, and cut so many capers
that you might imagine them to be stark mad. They
wash themselves and arrange their dress, before com-
mencing their meal ; and in this, other travellers would
do well to imitate them.

"Now, toward the grassy margins they advance in
straggling parties. See how they leap from the water
to bend the loaded tops of the tall reeds. Woe be
to the slug or snail that comes in their way. Some
are probing the mud beneath, and waging war against
the leech, frog, or lizard that is within reach of their
bills ; while many of the older birds run into the
woods, to fill their crops with beech-nuts and acorns,
not disdaining to swallow also, should they come in
21 Q

242

N ATATORES.

their way, some of the wood-mice that, frightened by
the approach of the foragers, hie toward their bur-
rows. The cackling they keep up would almost deafen
you, were you near them, but it is suddenly stopped
by the approach of some unusual enemy, and at once
all are silent."

During the autumn months our inland streams and
lakes mostly abound with many varieties of Ducks,
of forms and degrees of beauty as numerous as their
species. We would gladly give our readers a full
description of these bright wanderers, but our limits
will allow only of a few remarks respecting most of
them, while with some of the most interesting we
may spend more time.

Wood Duck.

We have already become a little acquainted with
the Mallard, both as the occupant of our private
duck-ponds, and also as a denizen of the free air;
let us now see if we cannot find something to inter-

THE WOOD DUCK. 243

est us in that model of beauty of its kind, the Com-
mon Summer or Wood Duck. This is one of the few
species which remain within the limits of the States
throughout the year, much the larger proportion re-
tiring: to the "far north" to breed. The Summer

o

Duck is certainly one of the most elegant of its tribe;
its plumage being richly glossed with green and gold,
and purple and black, in some places mottled with
white, or finely barred with black and fawn. The
head presents a fine appearance, surmounted by a
long crest of green, and the cheeks beautifully marked
with black and white. It appears to be widely spread
over the whole extent of the country, from Louisiana
to Maine, and westward some distance up the Mis-
souri river. Within these limits it may almost be
said to be a constant resident. It generally builds
its nest in a hollow tree, frequently in the deserted
hole of a large Woodpecker, giving the preference to
such trees as are near the water, or which overhang
pools or marshes. The number of eggs which the
female deposits varies much ; Audubon says from six
to fifteen ; Wilson speaks of a nest containing thir-
teen. It is a singular fact, according to the first-
named author, that upon the female having completed
her number of eggs, she is at once deserted by the
male, who, joining with a few others, roams about
until the young are able to fly, when the old and
young unite in one flock, and remain together until
another season comes round.

The Green and the Blue-winged Teal are also two
handsome Ducks, but are only known to us as tran

244 NATATORES.

sient visitors in the spring and autumn months, tho
cold regions of the fur countries being their usual
place of resort during Summer.

The Canvass-back is the famous Duck which is
generally considered by epicures as the finest of all
the Duck family, — its flesh being thought to possess
a peculiarly agreeable flavor, which no other fowl can
claim. The most common winter resort of these cele-
brated Ducks is the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers
and streams belonging to it, such as the Susquehanna,
Patapsco, Potomac, and James rivers. Here they
sometimes assemble in flocks of such great numbers
as to cover the surface of the water for acres in ex-
tent, and when they rise suddenly the noise of their
wings resembles thunder. The abundance of their
favorite food (a species of Yalisneria), a grass-like
plant which grows to the height of a few feet above
the water, the roots of which seem to form their main
sustenance, is evidently the great attraction for these
birds, as of later years their numbers appear to have
decreased, while at the same time the plant has be-
come less abundant. These Ducks are often seen
feeding in company with several other species, such
as the Black-headed Duck, the Widgeon and the Red-
headed Duck. They all appear to live upon the same
plant; the Canvass-back and the Black-head diving
to obtain the roots, while the Widgeon and the Red-
head prefer the leaves. The Canvass-back has also
been found on the waters of the Hudson, and upon
some of the western rivers; but its chief winter

THE EIDER DUCK.

245

haunts are to the southward, while its summer life
is passed far away to the north.

Leaving the Canvass-backs in company with the
Ring-necks and Ruddy Ducks, the beautiful Bird
Duck, and the Velvet Duck, with its coating of black,
we pass on to the well-known Eider Duck. This

Eider Duck.

elegant bird, which inhabits the northern portions
of both continents, must, for various reasons, be
looked upon with great interest by the student of
Nature; and the value of its down, as a promoter of
ease and comfort, must claim for it equal celebrity
with the Canvass-back. In some localities their nests
are usually built upon rocky precipices which over-
hang the ocean, and are lined with the soft down
which the female plucks from her breast. In those
countries where this down is collected as an article
of commerce, in order to increase the quantity pro-
duced in one season, the nest is deprived of its eggs
21*

246 NATATORES.

as well as the down ; the female again plucks her
bosom, and lays a fresh complement of eggs, which
are also taken ; a third time she makes the effort to
raise a brood, when the male sometimes assists in
lining the nest by taking the down from his own
breast. This brood they are allowed to raise, for, if
their hopes of progeny are entirely destroyed, they
will abandon the place ; whereas, if once attached to
a spot, they return to it year after year with their
young.

The Eider Duck is seldom found south of the
vicinity of New York. Further north and to the
eastward as far as the bay of Fundy, it becomes more
abundant ; and to Labrador thousands of pairs, it is
said, annually resort to breed and spend the short
Summer. Respecting their habits in these countries,
Audubon says : " In Labrador, the Eider Ducks be-
gin to form their nests about the last week of May.
Some resort to islands scantily furnished with grass,
near the tufts of which they construct their nests ;
others form them beneath the spreading boughs of
the stunted firs, and in such places, five, six, or even
eight, are sometimes found beneath a single bush.
Many are placed on the sheltered shelvings of roc-las
a few feet above high-water mark, but none at any
considerable elevation ; at least none of my party,
including the sailors, found any in such a position.
The nest, which is sunk as much as possible into the
ground, is formed of sea-weeds, mosses, and dried
twigs, so matted and interlaced as to give the appear-
ance of neatness to the central cavity, which rarely

THE EIDER DUCK. 247

exceeds seven inches in diameter. In the beginning
of June the eggs are deposited, the male attending
upon the female the whole time. The eggs, which
are regularly placed on the moss and weeds of the
nest, without any down, are generally from five to
seven, three inches in length, two inches and one-
eighth in breadth, being thus much larger than those
of the Domestic Duck, of a regular oval form,
smooth-shelled, and of a uniform pale olive-green.
When the full complement of eggs has been laid,
she begins to pluck some down from the lower parts
of her body; this operation is daily continued for
some time, until the roots of the feathers, as far for-
ward as she can reach, are quite bare, and as clean
as a wood from which the undergrowth has been
cleared away. This down she disposes beneath and
around the eggs. When she leaves the nest to go
in search of food, she places it over the eggs ; and in
this manner, it may be presumed to keep up their
warmth, although it does not always ensure their
safety, for the Black-backed Gull is apt to remove
the covering, and suck or otherwise destroy the eggs.
The care which the mother takes of her young for
two or three weeks, cannot be exceeded. She leads
them gently in a close flock in shallow waters, where,
by diving, they procure food ; and, at times, when
the young are fatigued, and at some distance from
the shore, she sinks her body in the water, and re-
ceives them on her back, where they remain several
minutes."

The Long-tailed Duck is another beautiful species

248

N A T A T 0 R E S'.

which breeds away to the northward, and visits us in
great numbers during Winter, being found almost
everywhere on the Atlantic coast. They are a noisy,
lively species, and owing to their reiterated cries,
they have been called " Noisy Ducks ; " they have,
however, other names applied to them, such as " Old
Wives" and " Old Squaws."

Hooded Merganser.

With the Hooded Merganser we must close our
brief notices of the Ducks. This showy and elegant
bird is more an inhabitant of our western and
southern waters than of the eastern coast. It can-
not then be said to be an abundant species in Penn-
sylvania. It breeds along the Mississippi, the Ohio,
and the great Lakes, as well as further northward,
and during Winter it is said sometimes to retire as
far southward as Mexico. The plumage of this bird
is indeed very beautiful. The thick, flat, tufted crest
which covers the whole head, and much resembles a

THE PELICAN. 249

hood, gives it a sprightly and animated appearance.
This crest, together with the whole head, neck, breast,
and upper part of the back, are singularly marked
with black and pure white, which is well contrasted
with the rich brown of the sides and flanks. The
female is a much plainer bird, but not without some
claims to beauty.

Like the Common Wood Duck, the Merganser

' O

seems to prefer placing its nest in some hollow tree,
to building, as most other species do, upon the ground.
The eggs are deposited on a bed of dried weeds,
feathers, and some down from the breast of the bird.
When the young are hatched, they are conveyed to
the water by the parent, who gently takes them in
her bill, and removes them one by one to their favorite
element. Here she leads them among the tall grass
and weeds, and teaches them to procure the snails
and insects that come within reach. The Hooded
Merganser is an expert diver, and in this way often
escapes the sportsman's gun, plunging, almost in a
twinkling, below the surface, on the first intimation
of danger.

With the name of the Pelican most of our readers
are familiar, while with its appearance they may be
wholly unacquainted. The American White Pelican,
which Audubon is pleased to style a " splendid bird,"
but which is quite too awkward to merit that term,
is rarely seen in the middle districts, while to the
north and west and south it seems to be more com-
mon. According to Dr. Richardson,* it is abundant

* Author of "Fauna Boreali Americana."

250 NATATORES.

in the fur countries, flying about in dense flocks all
Summer. To these parts, and to the Rocky Mountain
districts, it mostly resorts for the purpose of breed-
ing,— its winter quarters extending southward from
Carolina to Texas, along the coasts as well as inland.
The plumage of this bird is quite white, except a
portion of each wing, which is nearly black. From
the back part of the head hangs a short crest of loose
feathers. This crest, together with a tuft of feathers
on the breast, is of a pale yellow color, as is also the
pouch which hangs from the lower mandible. The
upper mandible is armed at a short distance from the
extremity with a sharp bony process, which occupies
about one-fourth its length. The Pelicans are apt to
assemble in flocks of considerable size, and resort to
the same feeding ground, where they will arrange
themselves on the margin of some sand-bar, pluming
themselves, and preparing for the coming meal. Dur-
ing this time, should one of them gape, all, as if by
sympathy, open their long and broad mandibles,
yawning lazily and ludicrously. At length hunger
compels their return to the water. With awkward
gait they waddle along as though they were out of
their element; but when they reach the water's edge
they seem like other creatures. How beautifully do
they float upon the surface as they arrange themselves
for their work ! The following paragraph from Au-
dubon shows their manner of taking food : " In
yonder nook, the small fry are dancing in the quiet
water, perhaps in their own manner bidding farewell
to the orb of day, perhaps seeking something for

THE BLACK SKIMMER. 251

their supper. Thousands there are, all gay, and the
very manner of their mirth, causing the waters to
sparkle, invites their foes to advance toward the shoal.
And now the Pelicans, aware of the faculties of their
scaly prey, at once spread out their broad wings, press
closely forward with powerful strokes of their feet,
drive the little fishes toward the shallow shore, and
then with their enormous pouches spread like so
many bag-nets, scoop them out, and devour them in
thousands."

We must now spend a little time among the large
and interesting families of the Terns and Gulls, and
watch their beautiful motions as they skim over the
surface of the ocean, now rising upon the bosom of
the gale, and now with the swiftness of an arrow
plunging into the deep in pursuit of their prey.

The Black Skimmer, or Shearwater, is a very sin-
gular bird, inhabiting our southern sea-coasts, where,
during most of the night, in localities which it fre-
quents, its hoarse cry may be heard as it sails over
the water in search of food. With wide-spread
wings it swiftly glides along, the lower mandible
ploughing the water, while the upper mandible,
which is movable, is elevated a little above it. In
this manner it secures its prey, sometimes rising
above the surface, and again dipping its great bill
as fresh objects appear. Thus, the whole night long,
with almost untiring energy, it skims the surface of
the deep, winging its graceful and buoyant flight be-
neath the light of the pale moonbeams, untiJ -Jay

252

NATATORES.

dawns, when it betakes itself to the beach or some

sand-bar to rest.

There are perhaps few of our readers who have

the opportunity of visiting any part of our extensive

sea-coast during Sum-
mer, who can fail to
notice two birds ;
these are the Com-
mon Tern and the
Least Tern. They
are so abundant, and
their beautiful mo-
tions so attractive,
that the most unob-
servant must pause
to watch and admire
them. They differ

from each other prin-
cipally in size, the
former being much
the larger. Their

Arctic Tern.

plumage is quite similar, being mostly of a snowy-
white, tinged on the back with light blue-grey, while
a patch of black covers the crown of the head.
Swallow-like in their form, they seem to mimic in
their motions the antic gambols of that gay and nim-
ble little bird, — skimming with sylph-like ease over
the white-capped breakers, watching intently for their
prey, upon which they dart almost with the swiftness
of thought. The Least Tern is particularly social,
and seeming to possess a degree of confidence in man,

THE ARCTIC TERN. 253

which perhaps he little deserves, he approaches him
fearlessly, flying about him with the most unsuspi-
cious familiarity. We would recommend every visitor
at the sea-coast to study the habits of these two
lovely birds.

Along the shores of Maine, Nova Scotia, or of
Labrador, the Arctic Tern is seen gambolling in the
air above the voyager, whose eye is riveted upon its
graceful evolutions. Now it sweeps over some soli-
tary green isle, — then, amidst the floating icebergs,
stoops to pick up some hapless shrimp. Little care
is required to construct its nest, which is generally
on a low sand-bank or desert island ; and in a short
time the little Terns burst the shell, hobble toward
the water, and soon are on the wing, far out at sea.
The first snow-storm from the Polar lands, however,
drives before it multitudes of these sprightly and
daring rovers, to a southern clime.

This bird is occasionally seen upon the Jersey shore
in Autumn, whence it departs in early Spring. Some
follow the windings of the coast up to Newfoundland,
while others, younger and perhaps more fearful, fly
inland, passing along the St. Lawrence to the Magda-
lene islands and the "ice-bound" Labrador.

Audubon remarks that when a female Arctic Tern
has been killed and floats upon the water, her mate
will alight upon and caress her, as if she were still
living. He tried the experiment several times, and
invariably with the same result.

A curious fact may be stated here, in reference to
this genus, — that all the Terns that breed in the

er
99

254 NATATORES.

northern parts of the United States, and in the Polar
regions, sit closely on their eggs; while the species
that breed in more southern latitudes incubate only
during the night or in rainy weather.

Of the family of Gulls, so well known and so
widely diffused, we notice first the species bearing
the name of Bonaparte, in allusion to the well-known
naturalist. This bird is found at times in great
numbers along our sea-board, from the Bay of Fundy,
and even higher latitudes, to the coast of Florida.
It has also been observed sweeping over the Ohio
river, in search of small fishes or floating garbage.
When examined after death, the stomachs are found
to contain shrimp, young fishes, fatty substances, and
sometimes coleopterous insects. In Spring, when
the shad enter the bays and rivers to deposit their
spawn, this Gull begins to show itself, as if for the
purpose of preying upon the shoals, which, however,
is not the case. It is described as being very gentle
in some localities, scarcely heeding the presence of
man.

The Great Black-backed Gull, the largest of the
tribe, delights in sailing over the rugged crags of
Labrador. He moves in wide circles, with loud,
harsh cries, far above the multitudes of smaller birds
below, who instinctively dread the approach of this
tyrant, or prepare to defend their young broods from
its powerful beak. The fish sink deeper as he ap-
proaches, while the other Gulls fly as fast as possible
from their enemy. At length he spies, perhaps, the
carcass of a whale, and, with fierce cries, darts down

INDEX.

233

House Wren, 106.

description of, by Wilson, 106-

109.

its quarrelsome disposition, 108.
Humming Bird, extensive range of,

152.
female deposits but two eggs,

164.

food of, 164.

nests of various species, 25, 161.
number of species, 152.
plumage of, 159, 165.
seldom live long in captivity,

160.
species found in the United

States, 166, 167.

Humming Birds of Brazil and Gui-
ana, 157, 158.

Ibis, 222.
Indigo Bird, 82.
Insessores, 16.

orders of, 15.
Irving' s description of the Bobolink,

31-35.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker, 136-138.

Wilson's account of, 137.

Jay, Blue, 56.
Canada, 57.

Prince Maximilian's, 58.
wide diffusion of the family, 54.

Kildeer Plover, 214-216.
Kingfisher, 127-129.

Labrador, birds of, 79.

Lapland Longspur, 79.

Lazuli Finch, 83.

Least Tern, 252.

Leona Night Jar, 21.

Lilljeborg's classification of birds,

15.

Little Egret, 229, 230.
Long-tailed Duck, 247.

Magpie, 52.

in United States, not found east
of the Mississippi, 52.

two species in United States, 54.

Wilson quoted on, 53.
Mallard, 240.

Audubon on, 241.
Maryland Yellow-Throat, 95.
McCall's account of American House
Finch, 85.

of Gamble's Partridge, 201.

Meadow Lark, 42, 43.
Migration of birds, 24, 25.
Mocking-Bird, 69, 70.

will attack the Rattlesnake, 72,
Mother Carey's Chickens, 258.

Natatores, 18.

orders of, 15.
Nest of American Flamingo, 232.

Baltimore Oriole, 40, 41.

Belted Kingfisher, 131.

Bluebird, 74.

Butcher-Bird, 59.

Great Black-backed Gull, 255.

House Finch, 86.

House Wren, 106.

Humming Bird, 161.

Kildeer Plover, 215.

Meadow Lark, 43.

Merganser, 249.

Orchard Oriole, 42.

Partridge, 200.

Petrel, 258.

Piping Plover, 214.

Prairie Hen, 204.

Scarlet Tanager, 92.

Snowy Heron, 231.

Swallow, 123.

Virginia Rail, 210, 211.

White-eyed Tireo, 61.

Woodcock, 222.

Wood Duck, 243.

Yellow-poll Warbler, 95.
Nests of birds, 25.
Night-Hawk, 112.

its powers of flight, 113, 114.

usually flies by day, 113.
Night Heron, 227.

breeding-places of, 228.

wariness of, 227.
Nightingale, song of, represented n

words, 97.
Night Owls, 187.
Nonpareil Finch, 83, 84.
Nuthatch, 63, 64.

value of, to the farmer, 65.

Orchard Oriole, 42.
Orders of birds, 14.

how subdivided, 28.
Oriole, 40-42.

nest of, 26.
Owl, 185.

some varieties diurnal, 186-188.

Painted Finch, 83.
plumage of, 84.

264

INDEX.

Parrot, 113.

account of a remarkable, by
Gosse, 143-147.

but one member of the family
in the United States, 147.

imitative powers of, 144.

wide extent of the order, 143.
Passenger Pigeon, 183-196.

Audubon on, 190-195.

immense flocks of, 190.

rapst of, as described by Audu-

bon, 193-195.
Partridge, call of, 200.

Gamble's, 201.
Pelican, 249. 250.

Audiibon,ou, 251.
Penguin, wing of, 21.
Peregrine Falcon, 184.
Petrels, 257.

Pewee Fly-Catcher, 101-103.
Pigeons, 183-197.
Pinnated Grouse, 202.
Piping Fly-Catcher, of Florida, 105.
Piping Plover, 213, 214.

its fleetness, 214.
Plovers, 213-216.

not confined to the sea- coast,

214.
Polytmus of Jamaica, 157-160.

description of, from Martin, 162

-164.

Power of flight denied to some spe-
cies, 21.
Prairie Hen, 202.

nest of, 204.

14 tooting" of, how produced,

203.

Prince Maximilian's Jay, 57.
Ptarmigan, 23, 204, 205.
Purple Finch, 86.
Purp'a Martin, 122.

( ntestsot, with King-Bird, 104.
Purpl Sand Piper, 217.

Racl"/ t-tail Humming Bird, 159.
Rail, 106-211.
Rase : es, 17.

Ratt i isnake an enemy of the Mock-
in.^ Bird, 72.
En tn, 44-47.

,1 udubon'a account of, 47.

;i )w regarded by the American

Indians, 44.

j unarkable instance of affec-
tion for a dog, 46.

"Jtf • >acked Sand Piper, Audubon's
a ;oount of, 216, 217.

Red-headed Woodpecker, 138.

depredations of, on crops, 139.
Red-winged Blackbird, 37-39.
Reed-bird, 31.
Republican Swallows, 123.
Rice-bird, 31.
Rock Ptarmigan, 205.
Roseate Spoonbill, 224, 225.

habits of, 226.

not found north of Georgia, 225.
Ruby-throat Humming Bird, nest

of, 161.

Ruby Topaz Humming Bird, 166.
Ruffed Grouse, 202.

Sand Pipers, 216.
Scansores, 17.
Scarlet Ibis, 222.
Scarlet Tanager, 91, 92.
Screech Owl, 187.
Sea-coast, birds of the, 213.
Semi -pal mated Sand Piper, 218.
Shrike, Great American, 58.
Snipe, 221.
Snow Bird, 80, 81.
Snow Bunting, 79, 80.
Snowy Heron, 229, 230.
Snowy Owl, 186.

dexterity of, in catching fish,

187.

Song Sparrow, 81, 82.
Sora Rail, 209.

Audubon on, 209.
Sparrow Hawk, 179.

can be domesticated, 180.
Species, 28.

of birds, how distinguished, 15.
Speed of the Swallow, 123.
Spoonbill, 224-226.
Spotted Sand Piper, 218, 219.

incident respecting, related by

Wilson, 219, 220.

Stanley, quotation from, on the edi-
ble birds'-nests, 124-126.
Summer Duck, 243.
Swallows, 117.

Barn and Chimney Swallows
widely different, 118.

sociable disposition of, 121.

their power of wing, 122, 123.
Swans, 238-240.

their flight, 239.
Swiftness of birds, 25.
Sword-bill Humming Bird, 157.

Tanager, 91.
Teal, 243.

INDEX.

265

Terns, 252.
Thrasher, 72.
Thrushes, 70-73.
Titmouse, 110, 111.
Trumpeter Swan, 238.
Turkey Buzzard, 171.

usefulness of, 172.
Tyrant Fly-Catcher, 100-103.

courage of, 104.

his services to the farmer, 104.

Violet Green Swallow, 122.
Vireo, 60, 61.

nest of, 26.
Virginia Rail, 210.
Vulture, acute sense of, in discover-
ing carrion, 173.

Warblers, species of, 96.
Wax wing, 61-63.
Western Bluebird, 78.
Whip-poor-will, 114.

its song, 115.

White-bellied Swallow, 122.
White-breasted Nuthatch, 63.
White Ibis, 222, 223.

Audubon on, 223, 224.

its mode of catching the cray-
fish, 224.
Whooping Cranes, 211.

food of, 212.

found only in the South and
West, 212.

their extreme wariness, 212.
Wild Pigeon, 189.

Wild Turkey, 197.

manner of travel, 198.
plumage, 199.

rarely found east of the Missis-
sippi, 197.
Wilson quoted:

on Bald Eagle, 176, 177.
Carolina Parrot, 149-151.
House Wren, 106-109.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker,

137.

Magpie, 53.
Scarlet Tanager, 92.
Spotted Sand Piper, 219, 220.
Wilson's Petrel, 257, 258.
Wings, appendages to, 21.

structure of, determines the

manner of flight, 20.
Winter Wren, 110.
Woodcock, 221.

a nocturnal bird, 221.
its nest, 222.
Wood Duck, 243.
Woodpecker, 131.

manner in which it obtains its

food, 132.

mechanism of the head, 133.
Wood Pewee, 105.
Wood Robin, 71.
Wrens, 105-110.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 142.
Yellow-hilled Magpie, 54.
Yellow-poll Warbler, 94.
its nest, 95.

Various Grasses.

CHAPTER I.

GRASSES THEIR PECULIAR FORM AND APPEARANCE MAN-
NER OF GROWTH ADAPTATION TO THEIR USES — "WHEAT-
BARLEY — MAIZE — OATS — RICE — PAPYRUS — PAMPA GRASS.

HE first visible objects that were
created in the beginning, after the
waters were gathered together, and
the dry land had appeared, were
grasses.

"And God said, Let the earth
bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and
the fruit-tree yielding fruit after his kind,
whose seed is in itself upon the earth ; and it
was so. And the earth brought forth grass,
and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree

(11)

12 GRASSES.

yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself after hia
kind ; and it was so; and God saw that it was good."

The term grass, as it is sometimes used in Scrip-
ture, evidently includes a great variety of plants, as
in the passage commencing with, " If God so clothe
the grass of the field which to-day is and to-morrow
is cast into the oven/' &c., it undoubtedly alludes to
the various smaller herbs which commonly grow in
the fields, as in those days the stems of plants were
often gathered by the poorer classes, and used for
fuel.

Of what is commonly called grass, there are many
varieties, some of them possessing properties which
render them very useful; while others seem to be
created for the special purpose of beautifying the
earth. Children may often be seen plucking their
tall straight stems, and seem to take much delight in
arranging them into bunches ; and we might suppose
that the interest generally felt in the soft verdure
and the cool and refreshing appearance of a luxuriant
grassy field or lawn, would excite in all but the most
indifferent a desire of knowing something more than
that certain plants are called grasses, as an acquaint-
ance with their structure and properties cannot fail
to afford both instruction and entertainment.

The vegetable kingdom is divided into three great
natural orders, called Acrogenous, Exogenous, and
Endogenous, terms referring to their different modes
of growing. To the last of these belong the grasses.
The word Endogenous means ingrowing; that is, the
increase in the growth takes place upon the interior

GRASSES. 13

of the stem, which is often hollow, though mostly
filled with a soft pithy substance, which becomes
harder as it nears the outer surface of the stem. The
peculiar formation of the leaves of endogenous plants
is also striking -} the veins all run parallel to each
other, mostly throughout their entire length, instead
of branching off and forming the beautiful and
prominent net-work so noticeable in others. To
this order also belong a variety of plants differing
widely from the grasses, such as some species of the
Lilies, the Orchids, and many more, some of which
will be mentioned hereafter.

The stems of most plants are much branched, but
the formation of the grasses is peculiar, the stalk
being mostly tubular and jointed, and quite simple,
except where, in some instances, it is parted to give
place to a cluster of flowers. The leaves are very
long and narrow, and the flowers are variously ar-
ranged, sometimes scattered loosely upon the stem,
as in the oats, sometimes in a short compact head,
suspended from the ends of long and slender branch-
lets, as in the Rattlesnake's grass; and sometimes
they are densely crowded at the end of the stem, in
a lengthened spike, as in Wheat, Rye, and Timothy.
Each flower is composed of concave valves, placed
one over the other ; they are most conspicuous when
the beautiful white, yellow, purple or scarlet anthers,
which are hung gracefully upon their slender fila-
ments, project from the lips of the corolla : the plant
is then in bloom, and who does not admire a specimen
2

14 GRASSES.

of fresh -blown Fox Grass or Timothy, especially
when on some foggy morning the minute particles
of moisture have settled upon the delicate stamens,
giving them the appearance of being thickly studded
with jewels ?

We have said that many of these plants have
jointed stems ; this is observed in those whose leaves
grow one above the other; each joint here answers
the double purpose of giving strength to the stem
and support to the leaf. But, in other varieties, the
only leaves produced are what are called radical, or
leaves growing from the root; with these the stems
are not jointed, but receive additional strength from
their being sometimes triangular or square, and mostly
very fleshy and stout.

It is a remarkable provision of Nature, that those
plants which appear to have been designed for food,
either bear seed in great abundance, or are supplied
with some separate provision for reproducing them-
selves; this is particularly noticeable in the grasses.
Wheat, Rye, Corn, Oats, Rice, and Barley, which
constitute staple articles of food, all produce their
seed in great quantities ; while in many species whose
seed supply the wants of the birds, the roots are
perennial and creeping, and are continually sending
up suckers, thus increasing themselves many-fold by
a distinct method.

Those seeds which require to be sown every year
are reserved for the use of man, whose superior in-
tellect teaches him the proper mode of rendering

GRASSES. 15

them useful ; while the inferior animals depend en
tirely upon that provision which Nature has made for
their supply.

How beautifully do these facts illustrate those
words of our Saviour : " Consider the ravens, for they
neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse
nor barn, and God feedeth them!"

The cereal grasses, or corn plants, are very rapid
in their growth, and in a surprisingly short time
send up a tall hollow stem, divided by joints, where
the leaves are inserted, one at each joint, on the alter-
nate sides of the stem; each leaf embracing the stem
like a sheath.

Wheat stands at the head of the cereal grasses for
its great productiveness and utility. There are seve-
ral cultivated varieties of Wheat, the origin of all of
which is involved in obscurity. No where has it been
found in a wild state; at least, botanists have not
been able to identify any of the wild species with
those in cultivation. There is no doubt of its great
antiquity, grains having frequently been found en-
closed with the mummies of Egypt. Some of these
having been sown, have produced plants similar to
those now grown in the Levant.

There is much to admire in a simple grain of wheat.
It contains within itself a marvellous vegetative power,
which, after having lain for centuries in the darkness
and obscurity of an Egyptian tomb, is capable, if
rightly managed, of being made to yield not only a
new plant, with its abundant spike, but also plant
after plant, and spike after spike, until the produce

16

GRASSES.

of tins single grain might at length feed a family.
the dwellers in a village, the inhabitants of a city,
and even of a nation, or of the world.

Barley, although not
so much grown in this
country as some other
corn plants, is neverthe-
less the principal crop in
some parts of the world.
In Egypt and Syria it
forms the staple grain for
making bread. It is not
capable of producing the
beautiful white and fine-
grained loaves that are
made from wheat, as it
lacks the glutinous pro-
perties which are neces-
sary to facilitate the ac-
tion of the leaven. It is therefore made into thin
cakes without the use of yeast, and hence it has been
called unleavened bread.

We read of such cakes in very early times. Some,
most probably of Barley, are mentioned when the
Lord appeared to Abraham in the plains of Mamre,
and the patriarch said to Sarah, " Make ready quickly
three measures of fine meal; knead it, and make
cakes on the hearth." Gen. xviii. 6. The Arabs of
the desert act precisely in this way now, when they
entertain strangers, using Barley meal to prepare their
hearth-cakes. And the bread used by our Lord when

Wheat, Barley, and Rice.

GRASSES. 17

he fed the multitude with five loaves and two small
fishes, is expressly stated to have been made of bar-
ley. John vi. 9.

It is much to be regretted that so great a quantity
of Barley should be wasted in producing intoxicating
liquors, so destructive to the peace of mankind, this
being the best grain for distillation ; and from the
readv market thus obtained, the farmer is often led

tf

to grow barley, and neglect crops which would be
useful in supplying the means of human subsistence.

The most important grain next to wheat is Maize,
or Indian Corn, which is a native of America, and
was cultivated by the Indians previous to the landing
of Columbus. It may be a matter of surprise to
some, that this plant should be ranked among the
grasses; but a little examination into its structure and
habits will at once show its connection with them. It
attains a much larger growth than any other of the
corn plants, although there are many other grasses
which even exceed it in height.

Maize is extensively cultivated in every part of the
continent of North America. In the western states
it is particularly productive, as it sometimes yields,
under the combined influence of the rich soil and
genial climate, at the rate of eight hundred for one.

Maize has never been cultivated in Europe with
success, the climate not being favorable to its growth;
hence it is rarely seen in England, except where a
few stalks are raised as curiosities.

Oats is probably the next grain of importance, espe-
cially in America, where it forms one of the princi-
2* B

18

GRASSES.

Panicle of Oats.

pal crops, being extensively
used as feed for horses and
cattle } it is much easier of
culture than wheat, and can
be grown on soil that would
scarcely produce a good crop
of any other grain. In Ire-
land it is raised in great
quantities, and together with
potatoes, forms a considera-
ble part of the food of the
peasantry. Almost any cli-
mate is adapted to the growth

of Oats. Good crops have been seen growing close
to the line of perpetual snow, at the Glacier de Bois-
sons, on Mont Blanc; and it is said to have been
found in a wild state on the island of Juan Fernan-
des, in the Southern Ocean ; but the few plants dis-
covered there may have been produced by grains
accidentally scattered by some of the pirates who in-
fested those seas soon after the discovery of the island.
Rice is a native of warm climates, and differs in
the mode of its cultivation from any other grain that
is grown. Those spots where various animal and
vegetable substances are washed down by rivers, are
most favorable to its growth. The marshy parts of
Hindostan and Carolina are among the chief portions
of the globe where rice is brought to perfection. But
the American rice is generally considered as being
much better than th.it which is grown in the East
Indies.

GRASSES. 19

The rice-fields of Carolina lie adjacent to the larger
rivers which flow toward the sea, and down whose
rapid currents the floods of each Spring bring a fresh
deposit of soil. They are enclosed in some places by
neat embankments, through openings in which the
water is allowed to run at such times as it is needed.
The rice-seed is sown in a rich plot of ground, and
allowed to attain the height of a few inches, when
the plants are removed into the fields where they are
to grow ; the ground having been previously prepared
by being overflowed with water until it is thoroughly
saturated. These plantations require to be kept con-
stantly moist, and as they usually lie below the level
of the river, by opening the sluices in the embank-
ments they are readily watered; this operation is
repeated several times during its growth.

A field of young rice is a beautiful and interesting
sight, but the great amount of decayed vegetation
which the soil contains, renders the atmosphere very
unhealthy, and few persons beside the negroes em-
ployed in cultivation can remain in the neighborhood
with safety.

In the list of useful grasses we must not forget
the Bulrush spoken of in the Bible. This appears
to be no other than the paper-reed of the Egyptians.
The ark in which the infant Moses lay among the
sedges of the Nile, was made of this plant. Isaiah
speaks of the paper-reeds by the brooks, (Is. xix. 7,)
which undoubtedly alludes to the same, as it was
found in great abundance, not only in the shallow

20

GRASSES.

parts of the Nile, but in the little streams in the

vicinity.

The Papyrus, or

Paper - Reed, has a
thick triangular stem,
eight or ten feet in
height, and is said
always to turn one of
its angles toward the
current, as though to
break the force of the
waves. It formerly was
very abundant in all
parts of Egypt, Abys-
sinia, and Syria, but
modern travellers de-
scribe it as now being
very rare.

Papyrus. From the very ear-

lit st ages of Egypt, papyrus appears to have been
used for various purposes, but especially for the man-
ufacture of paper. Herodotus mentions paper made
from it as being an article of commerce long before
his time ; he calls it lyllos. This name, it is sup-
posed, is the origin of the Greek word billion, or
book, whence comes the term Bible. The paper made
by the ancients was formed of the pellicle found be-
tween the bark and the fleshy part of the stem ; the
pieces of this were united together until they were
of a suitable size, when they were pressed and dried
in the sun. Many manuscripts, written upon this

GRASSES. 21

paper, have been found in the swathings of mum-
mies, which were perfectly legible, and are interesting
on account of their great antiquity. Paper was made
from the papyrus until the eleventh or twelfth cen-
tury, when it was superseded by that made from
cotton. The papyrus had also many other uses
among the inhabitants of Africa. Boats of a consi-
derable size were made of it, and are spoken of in the
Scriptures. The tassel-like flowers which surmounted
its tall straight stems were worn as coronals by illus-
trious men. The Abyssinians chewed the root and
the woody parts of the stem, its sweet juice resem-
bling liquorice. The stems, as well as being used for
fuel, were also made into cordage, and woven into a
coarse matting which was used for various purposes.
Those grasses, which seem to be created rather for
the purpose of increasing our happiness by affording
a pleasing and grateful prospect to the eye, than to
minister to our comfort by supplying the wants of
the body, are so numerous and so widely distributed,
that all are familiar with some of them, and as any
attempt to describe them would be useless in so small
a compass as could be assigned them here, we shall
only cite a single example, leaving it to the readers
to enter more fully into the subject as their interest
or pleasure may incline them, there being few, per-
haps, who have not the opportunity of seeing them
IQ profusion, as they exist almost everywhere, and

"Clothe all climes in beauty."

22

GRASSES,

Pampas Grass.

The Pampas Grass is a native of Brazil, and coders
large tracts of country in the vicinity of Buenos Ayres,
known as the Pampas, whence its name is derived.
It grows to the height of twelve or fourteen feet.
Many beautiful specimens are to be seen cultivated
in the gardens of England, where the mildness of
the climate is favorable to its growth. The annexed
cut is a sketch of a plant growing in the grounds of

GRASSES. 23

Stoke Park, which was long the seat of the Perm
family of Pennsylvania celebrity.

These plants show to much better advantage when
grown separately, as the long leaves, of which there
is a great profusion, hang in thick tufts on every
side. From the centre of these, the tall straight
stems rise several feet above the mass of foliage, and
are crowned with large plume-like heads of silvery-
white flowers. Some of these separate plants have
attained the height of fourteen feet, with a diameter
of about eighteen feet; and occasionally they have
been seen with as many as fifty heads of flowers.

How beautifully does this majestic species com-
pare with some of the humble little varieties which
are scattered over our meadows ! and yet, while God
hath given extraordinary grace and beauty to one,
he has also endowed the others with qualities which
render them none the less curious, and far more use-
ful. How wonderfully are they adapted to the various
uses assigned them ! If animals were allowed to feed
upon the foliage of the Pampas Grass, its beauty
would be marred, and the life of the plant endan-
gered ; but not so with the meadow-grass ; the more
its leaves are cropped, the wider spreads the plant;
the more it is trampled upon, the thicker and softer
it grows ; and so far from being killed by the frosts
of winter, it seems only to gather more life from re-
pose, and upon the return of spring it again shoota
forth with renewed freshness and vigor.

I/

24 FLOWERS.

CHAPTER II.

FLOWERS THEIR VARIOUS FORMS AND COLORS — PARTS OF A

FLOWER — ARRANGEMENT UPON THE STEM — NIGHT-BLOOM-
ING CEREUS — EVENING PRIMROSE — EFFECT OF LIGHT UPON
THE BLOOM OF FLOWERS — PERFECTING OF THE SEED — THE
FRUIT.

COME, brother Freddy, let's go gather some flowers,
Here are the violets all sweetly in bloom ;

And the roses just washed by plentiful showers,
Will regale with their soft and lovely perfume.

Here are tulips with petals of every hue,
And a white lily with its bosom so fair;

While daisies and jonquils and hyacinths too,
Are casting their fragrance around on the air.

The honeysuckles cluster on every spray,

That twines o'er the lattice or droops from the wall,
Where the Humming-bird sips the nectar away,

And honey-bees gather their stores for the fall.

Here's sweet flow'ring almonds, a token of spring,
And yellow corcoras as brilliant as gold ;

With the gay Columbine, as pretty a thing
I'm sure, as we ever need wish to behold.

And primrose and cowslip with poppies intervene,
Kingcups and primulas all smiling and gay ;

Geraniums and foxglove in plenty are seen.
All standing in bright and imposing array.

FLOWERS. 25

Come, while the lark its sweet anthem is singing,

And the breath of the morn is freshened by showers :

The voice of the thrush through the woodland is ringing,
Come, little brother, let us gather some flowers.

MONG the diversified products of
Creative Wisdom, there are perhaps
no more attractive objects than
flowers, and none to which the
mind turns with greater pleasure.
See how lovely and beautiful they
are in their multiplied forms and colors, and
how interesting and wonderful in their distri-
bution and uses. Some are decked in colors
so brilliant as to bid defiance to all imitation,
or marked with tints so delicate as to set at naught
the skill of the artist; while others, as emblems of
perfect purity, are arrayed in vestures of snowy white-
ness.

Nature has scattered these beautiful objects with
an unsparing hand over every portion of the globe;
they smile in clusters among the decayed leaves of
the wood, and the pasture-fields are dotted all over
with their ever-varying hues. They rear their gay
heads to the sun in gaudy profusion in the ever-
glowing regions of the south, and peep out in modest
loveliness from beneath the Arctic snows.

There is something happy in the thought that the
pleasure to be derived from flowers is open to the
youngest, and the poorest of mankind ; they are gifts
3

26

FLOWERS.

which Nature hands alike to all. It has been said
that birds are the poor man's music, so wild flowers
may be said to be the poor man's poetry ; for him, as
for all, they open their gay petals, and exhale the
sweetest odors; they smile upon his toils, and add
new charms to repose.

To children, flowers are an unfailing source of de-
light ; and the first blossom that flings its fragrance
upon the spring air is welcomed by them as a har-
binger of future joys. With what care may they
often be seen nursing their little daisy-plants, when
their whole happiness seems wrapt up in their suc-
cessful growth ! And the violets which they have
dug from the woods, and transplanted into their own
gardens, are watched with the greatest anxiety. This
love of children for flowers is implanted in their young
breasts by Him who created every blossom pure and
beautiful, and a fit object of admiration and love.

There is much that is interesting and worthy of
our attention in flowering plants, besides th^ir beau-
tiful colors, and attractive and showy appearance;
many of them possess peculiar habits which render

Complete Stamens and Ovary and Calyx and
flower. Pistil. Pistil. Corolla.

Ovary and

Calyx.

them objects of wonder. Even the simple parts of a
flower, when separated, bear evidence of a superior

FLOWERS. 27

•

skill, which has so nicely adapted them to each other.
Let us see what they are. First, comes the Calyx,
or the cup which supports the flower ; this is some-
times entire, but more frequently parted into divi-
sions, or segments, as they are called ; it is generally
of a pale green color, but, in some instances, as in
the Fuchsia, it is highly colored ; the Calyx also acts
as a covering for the seed-vessels. The delicate and
richly colored leaves or petals, which stand just with-
in the calyx form the corolla. Some flowers have
neither calyx nor corolla, and cluster around a pen-
dent spike, as in the Willow and Hazel ; these are
termed Catkins. At the base of
the corolla there generally appears
the Nectary, so called from its se-
creting a sweet fluid called nectar.

O

This is the store from which the

bee derives its honey, and from this

delicious fountain the lovely little

Humming -Bird, poised upon its Catkin, Hazel.

rapid wings, extracts through its slender bill the

sweet food which it conveys to its young.

The most important organs in the flower are those
which produce the seed. These consist of two
principal parts, called Stamens and Pistils. They
mostly exist in the same flower; but in some cases
they not only occupy separate flowers, but are pro-
duced upon separate plants. At the base of the pistil
is the seed-vessel or Ovary, which is composed of
one or more valves, differing in form in different
plants; a little thread-like stalk called a Style,

28 FLOWERS.

rises from the top of this seed-vessel, and sup-
ports a small spongy substance called the Stigma.
Around this pistil, or pistils, (as there are sometimes
many,) are placed the stamens, each consisting of a
slender thread, or filament, supporting a little hag,
called the anther, which contains the pollen, a kind
of powder or dust; when this powder ripens, the
anthers burst, and the pollen falls upon the stigma,
which is mostly below, and thus the seed in the ovary
becomes fertilized. These grains of pollen, which
are very minute, when seen under a microscope are
of various shapes; some are round or oval, some
square, others are toothed like a watch-wheel, or re-
semble a prickly ball, while others have long appen-
dages or tails.

There is much difference observable in the shape
and size of flowers, as well as their colorings ; some
are large and showy, while others are so diminutive
as to require the aid of a microscope to distinguish
them. Some are shaped like a bell, as may be seen
in the Campanula; others like a trumpet, as the Con-
volvulus and Honeysuckle ; the common Snapdragon
and the Scarlet Sage have flowers of a very peculiar
form, called ringent, or grinning, from their resem-
blance to an open mouth ; but the most common form
of flowers is the shape of a star or a" cross. They
generally consist of from four to eight or ten petals,
spreading out like rays, arranging themselves va-
riously; sometimes these petals are broad at the
base, and bend upwards, and form a shallow cup;
sometimes they bend backwards, and almost clasp the

FLOWERS.

29

stem ; the flower is here said to have its corolla re-
flected.

Flowers also differ in their arrangement. Some
grow very close and compact around one common
stalk, which is frequently quite long, as in the Fox-
glove; this is called a spike. Sometimes they droop
in long and graceful bunches, like Currants ; these
are styled racemes. In the beautiful Lilac they appear
in a thick, close head, or thyrse. In some cases they
hang loosely upon long slender branch-
ing stems, or peduncles; these are
panicles, of which the Oats is an illus-
tration. When they have separate
stalks which rise from a common cen-
tre, and spread out in the form of an
umbrella, as in the Carrot, they are
described as umbels ; when these stalks
which rise from one centre become
much branched, and the flowers more
scattered, as may be seen in the com-
mon Elder, we call it a cyme; if the
clusters grow from different parts of
the main stalk, and the stems are of
different lengths, it is a corymb; while if the flowers
are on very short stems, and form a close, thick-set
cluster, it bears the name of a fascicle ; of this the
Sweet William is a very familiar example.

There are also many other modes of flowering
peculiar to different plants, but these are the most
important, as many of those which come under
general observation will be found to have one or an-

Spike, Fox-
glove.

30

FLOWERS.

Raceme, Laburnum.

other of these methods of displaying their blossoms.
There is, however, a very interesting exception to this

in the common Dogwood. The
flowers, which are quite small,
are clustered in close heads, and
each head is surrounded by four
large white leaves, which are
called an involucre. These leaves
being very prominent and showy,
are often mistaken for the flower,
while they only act as appen-
dages; but they undoubtedly
have some use assigned them; perhaps it may be
to protect the delicate little blossoms from the cold
night-winds which are apt to prevail in the early
Spring, while they are in bloom.

Most flowers require the action
of light to cause them to expand,
and many never open except un-
der the influence of the most bril-
liant sunshine. But there are a
few instances in which the con-
trary is observed. Far down in
the evergreen forests of South
America, when the sun has set
behind the tall groves of Palm
and Mimosa, and the glimmering twilight is fast fol-
lowing in its train, the magnificent flowers of the
Night-blooming Cereus may be seen just opening their
fair petals to catch the first rays of the full-orbed
moon. Travellers in the tropics describe it as a sight

Fascicle, Sweet William.

FLOWERS.

31

Umbel, Carrot.

worth witnessing, to see in the

same forest perhaps hundreds of

these lovely blossoms hanging in

profusion from the branches of

the trees, and loading the atmo-

sphere with the most delicious

fragrance. The plants upon

which they grow are parasites,

and fasten their roots into the

trunks and branches of the trees. The flowers are

white, and very large, often measuring as much as

nine or ten inches in diameter. They commence to

blow early in the evening, and remain open during

most of the night, when they close, to bloom no more.

But the Evening Primrose is a much more familiar

instance in which the approach of darkness is hailed

by the opening flower. This beautiful and interesting

plant grows abundantly in our fields, and on the

borders of our woods; and is frequently culti-

vated in our gardens. It unfolds its pale yellow blos-

soms in the latter part of the day, and

the process of opening is of so re-

markable a nature as to claim parti-

cular notice. The divisions of the

calyx are furnished with little hooks

at their extremities, by which the

flower is held together before expan-

sion. These divisions open gradually

at the bottom, so as to show the yel-

low corolla within, when suddenly the

flower bursts from its confinement, and opens about

-•I

Corymb, Candy
Tuft.

•

2

FLOWERS.

Cyme, Elder.

half way, being still partially restrained by the calyx ;
it then continues to expand gradually for some time,

when it finally opens with a
slight noise. This occupies
about fifteen minutes, and may
be witnessed upon almost any
summer's evening.

There are also other plants
of this description, which
are found growing in many
parts of the world. The Mar-
vel of Peru has been termed
by the French, " Belle de nuit,"
on account of this peculiarity;
and the night-winds of India are laden with the
odors of the large blue, lilac, or white blossoms of
plants of so magnificent an appearance as to entitle
them to the appellation of the " Glory of the night."

Some plants, the flowers of which
bloom many days in succession, close
their petals during the night, while
in others the leaves double them-
selves over the blossoms to shelter
them from the cold dews. Linnaaus,
the celebrated Swedish naturalist,
termed this "the sleep of plants;"
and there is little doubt that nearly
all are more or less affected by it,
except those whose habits resemble
the Primrose. Compound leaves, or
Panicle of Grass, such as are composed of many small

FLOWERS.

33

leaflets arranged on both sides of a common midrib,
often fold themselves together, and remain in a droop-
ing posture, until the stimulating influence of the
sun's rays causes them again to expand.

While, as has been observed, most flowers require
the action of light to make them bloom, the ab-
sence of light is not the only cause of their folding
up. For although crocuses are so tenacious of their
privilege of opening upon the first appearance of the
sun, that it is quite easy to cheat them by bringing
them near a lamp in the evening, yet many beautiful
wild as well as cultivated flowers, regardless of the
light, are closed by noonday.

Florists act upon the sugges-
tions of Nature in the manage-
ment of their choice greenhouse
plants; and while they expose
them to the full glare of the sun
in order to produce the bloom,
they also observe that its conti-
nued influence tends to hasten
decay, by ripening too soon the
pollen contained in the anthers,
and consequently hastening the fertilizing of the
seed ; and as the flowers only last in perfection
while this process is being accomplished, the period
of blooming may be greatly prolonged by shading
them from the direct rays of the sun. If, then, the
half-opened flower be kept in a sort of twilight by
means of canvas or paper shades, the pollen does not

o

Thyrse, Lilac.

34

FLO WERS.

Involucre, Dogwood.

ripen so fast, and the flowers
are fair and fresh for many
days, and even weeks, instead
of yielding to the first bright-
ness of the season. For the
moment the great object for
which the flower is produced is
accomplished, which is the per-
fection of the seed, it imme-
diately commences to wither,
the petals become flaccid, the
colors lose their brightness and
beauty, and they soon either

fold themselves within the calyx, or fall unheeded to
the ground. Upon the fading of the corolla, the seed
commences to grow, and the ovary which contains it
gradually increases until the seed becomes ripe, when
it bursts from its confinement, and falls to take root
in the earth, and become itself a plant like that which
bore it.

There are many curious and interesting forms no-
ticed in the fruits of different plants j some of them
have such valuable uses assigned them by man, that
without them life would be robbed of many of its
luxuries and comforts. The Apples which load our
orchard trees, the Peaches and Pears and Plums in
almost endless variety, the Grapes and other berries
which hang in clusters from our vines, the nuts which
lie scattered beneath our forest trees, and above all the
grain upon which we depend mainly for our suste-

FLOWERS.

35

nance, are all familiar forms of fruit. How wonder-
fully does Nature provide, not only for the repro
duction of the plant by this means, but how bounti-
fully does she spread around us these her choicest
blessings, which are so singularly adapted to our
wants !

The leaves also of plants present many varieties,
both in their shape and arrangement. Sometimes
they are placed alternately one above another on the
stem; sometimes two are placed opposite each other;
and often we see them in what is called a wJwrt, or
radiating from the same point like the spokes of a
wheel. They also occur in tufts or bunches thickly
scattered on the stem or branches, and sometimes but
a single leaf is seen, and that springs immediately
from the root, and is termed a radical, while those
which grow from the stem are called cauline. Some
plants have both cauline and radical leaves, and some
have neither.

The following cuts will illustrate the principal
shapes observable in leaves.

Serrate.

Palmate.

Ovate. Lanceolate.

These may be separated into two distinct classes,
the simple and the compound; the simple being those

36

FLOWERS.

Sagtitate.

Sinuate. Mucronate.

Digitate.

Crenate.

which, though much notched, are not divided into
separate parts. The Fuchsia has a simple leaf. The
compound are such as consist of a number of small
leaflets arranged upon a common midrib, as is seen in
the Sweet Pea.

Emarginate. Ternate. Pinnatifid.

Bipinnate.

Pinnate.

Leaves may be considered as the most important
appendages of plants, and certainly add not a little to
their beauty ; the flower would lose much of its lustre
were it not in contrast with the pleasing and agree
able color of the leaf.

FLOWERS. 37

CHAPTER III.

»

THE AMERICAN ALOE — THE PASSION FLOWER — ORCHIDS —
TRUMPET FLOWER — MORNING GLORY — THE ROSE — BLACK-
BERRY — DAISY — COMPOUND FLOWERS.

F all the forms in which flowers
appear, there is perhaps none more
wonderful than that of the Aloe. Its
peculiar habits, and its gigantic
dimensions, may well entitle it to
the name of king of flowers.
It is commonly known by the name of
The Century Plant," from the fact that it
was formerly supposed to bloom only once in
a hundred years. This is, however, an error
which time has corrected, as many specimens
have been known to flower in conservatories in much
shorter periods ; and it is probable that in its native
climate it occurs at an early age. In the United States
the Aloe is probably the best known, and most fre-
quently kept as an ornament to our hot-houses. It is
a native of tropical America, where it is a plant of
great utility to the Indians.

The singular fact that it blooms but once, and that
its existence terminates with the decay of its flowors,
has rendered it particularly interesting ; and as the
4

38

FLOWERS.

opportunity of •witnessing so beautiful a spectacle if
of rare occurrence, it is regarded as a great curiosity

A noble speci
men, probably So
or 90 years of age,
recently bloomed
in Philadelphia
About the middle
of the summer of
1858, the stem
made its appear-
ance, and in six
weeks' time it had
reached the height
of about twenty
feet, being seven
inches in diameter
at the base, and
crowned with sev-
enteen fascicles of
greenish yellow
flowers, number-
ing in all about

3000, and spreading over a space of nearly eighteen
feet in circumference.

In Mexico, the West Indies, and South America,
where several varieties of this plant are found, it is
often cultivated by the natives, and its different parts
appropriated to useful purposes. It may frequently be
seen planted in long rows, which serve as hedges, and
form an impervious barrier both to man and beast.

FLOWERS. 39

In no other country, perhaps, is the Aloe so gene-
rally serviceable as in America.

The rope bridges of Mexico, so often named as
dangerous to the traveller unaccustomed to cross
them, are formed entirely of cords made of the fibrous
parts of its root. These bridges, swung over some
foaming torrent, have pieces of the bamboo stem
placed at small intervals across the ropes, disclosing
through their interstices the dashing of the waters ;
and their rude structure, oscillating either with the
wind or the unsteady footsteps of the passengers,
might appal the heart of the strongest and bravest
strangers, while the Indian passes lightly and fear-
lessly over.

The leaves of the Aloe, when baked, form an ex-
cellent article of food, and from the juice, sugar and
medicines are prepared. The strong flower stems
serve as beams for the roofs of the Indian dwellings,
and the leaves supply the place of tiles.

In former times the Aloe was extensively cultivated
for the manufacture of paper, and great quantities
were evidently used in the time of the Montezumas
in painting hieroglyphics. The paper produced from
this plant resembles that made by the Egyptians
from the papyrus. The ancient Mexican manuscripts,
which have received so much attention from the
learned, and upon whose records is based the history
of that injured and interesting people, were painted
chiefly upon paper made from the fibre of the aloe.
Many of these " picture writings," as they have been
called, are still preserved at Mexico.

40 FLOWERS.

From the juice pressed from the flowers of this
plant, the natives prepare a very pleasant and refresh-
ing beverage, called " pulque," of which they are
very fond, and it is said to be quite nutritious and
wholesome, although, if taken in large quantities, it
produces the same effect as brandy.

The drug called aloes is the thickened juice of a
species of aloe, which grows abundantly near the
Cape of Good Hope. It is procured by cutting the
leaves in pieces, and pressing and boiling them ; after
which the juice is allowed to cool, when it becomes
hard.

How few, who look upon the thick spiny leaves
of the Aloes, as they stand in our green-houses, ever
reflect upon the great usefulness of this plant to the
natives of America !

Hanging in gay festoons about the venerable trees
of the American forests, the various kinds of Passion-
Flowers form objects of splendor which arrest the
attention of the traveller. In this, their native soil,
they grow to much greater perfection than when kept
in our green-houses ; and their large starry blossoms
hang down in profusion among the branches, or clasp
by their strong tendrils the immense trunks of the
trees.

There are upwards of forty species found growing
in various parts of the world, varying greatly in their
color and appearance. Some are very strong and
robust plants, sending out long stout stems which lay
hold of anything within their reach; and in the
summer season, when their growth is rank and rapid,

FLOWERS. 41

they soon envelope the trunks of the trees in a rich
and luxuriant mantle. These have mostly large blue,
white, or crimson flowers, which they bear in great
abundance. The greatest number of varieties may
probably be found in South America and the West
Indies. One or two species grow in the United States,
and many in Africa and the adjacent islands.

These flowers are of short continuance, generally
lasting but one day, opening a little before noon, and
closing in the evening.

The name of Passion-Flower was given to it by the
Spaniards, whose attention was attracted by the beau-
tiful and showy appearance made by the vines in the
forests of Mexico and South America; and fancy
pictured to them in the various parts of the flower a
resemblance to the crown of thorns, and the other
signs of our Saviour's passion. Alluding to this, the
poet Barton says : —

"We soar to heaven; and to outlive

Our life's contracted span,

Unto the glorious stars -we give

The names of mortal man.

Then may not one poor floweret's bloom

The holier memory share
Of Him who, to avert our doom,

Vouchsafed our sins to bear?

God dwelleth not in temples reared

By work of human hands ;
Yet shrines august, by man revered,

Are found in Christian lands.
4 *

42

FLO WERS,

And may not e'en a simple flower

Proclaim his glorious praise,
Whose fiat only, had the power,

Its form from earth to raise ?

Then freely let the blossom ope

Its beauties — to recall
A scene which bids the humble hope

In Him who died for all ! "

In the same coun-
tries where the Night-
Blooming Cereus and
the Passion - Flower
wreathe their bright
blossoms among the
forest - trees, may be
seen many other cu-
rious and interesting
plants ; among them
is a tribe known as
Orchises or Orchids;
these, like the Cereus,
are often found grow-
ing upon the trunks
and branches, and
sometimes in such
quantities, as almost to deprive the tree of the nou-
rishing sap intended for its support. If we should
attempt to describe the multiplied forms and color-
ings of these air-plants, it would cost the labor of a
lifetime. They mostly consist of rough unsightly
bulbs, which, for about one-half the year, lie appa-

Butterfly Orchis.

FLOWERS. 43

rently lifeless, adhering by their tough fibrous roots
to the bark ; but no sooner do the clouds of the rainy
season empty their life-giving virtues upon the earth,
than they send out their leaves in thick tufts, which,
being often long and grass-like, have a graceful ap-
pearance. After these have arrived at their full
perfection, the flower-stems shoot forth, and are some-
times several feet in length, loaded with a profusion
of gay flowers, frequently very large, and of almost
every imaginable shape and color. Some of them
bear a close resemblance to living objects. Thus, in
the Butterfly Orchis, the likeness is so striking, that
one unacquainted with the plant would suppose that
a large yellow butterfly had chanced to light upon it.
Orchises are divided into two kinds, terrestrials
or such as grow upon the ground, and Epiphytes, or
those which hang from the trees. Many very beau-
tiful terrestrial Orchids are to be found in our own
woods and meadows. But the most curious and re-
markable species are exotics, and require peculiar
treatment to make them flower. The roots are tied
to a rough stick of wood, with the bark upon it, and
are suspended from the roof of the green-house;
others are planted in pots filled with stones and rotten
wood. The air in the house being kept constantly
moist, the plants thrive and produce their blossoms
in great perfection.

Another very attractive and showy species of plants
is the Bignonia, or Trumpet-Flower; of this, many
varieties abound in the same localities as the Orchids,
and may often be seen weaving a tangled web with

44 , FLOWERS.

their long twining stems as they clamber over the
trees. The great abundance of these and other vines
in the tropical forests, so fills up the recesses between
the undergrowth, as to render them almost impene-
trable, and travellers often speak of being compelled
to cut their way through with axes. These tangled
brakes are the lodging- places of thousands of beauti-
ful birds, which build their nests and rear their young
without fear of intrusion. Here the jewelled breast
of the Humming-Bird is seen glittering in the light,
as it flits from flower to flower and gently dips its
tiny bill into their sweet ambrosial cups ; and here
may be heard the wild screams of flocks of gay plu-
maged Parrots, intermingled with the no less clamor-
ous chattering of troops of monkeys.

On the borders of these forests may also be found
in great profusion, many elegant varieties of Convol-
vulus or Morning-Glories, plants with which most
persons are familiar. Of all the flowers with
which Nature with a lavish hand adorns our gardens,
there is perhaps none more showy or more fleeting.
Their delicately painted petals, their luxuriant growth,
the graceful drooping of their long twining branches,
and, above all, the gorgeous array of large showy
blossoms, which welcome with their smiles the earliest
streaks of dawn, all conspire to render them, as they
truly are, the glory of the morning. But how in-
structive is the lesson conveyed by the language of
Scripture, which is so applicable to this beautiful
plant : — " For the sun is no sooner risen with a burn-

FLOWERS. 45

ing heat, than the flower thereof falleth, and the grace
of the fashion of it perisheth."

The common sweet potato is a species of Convol-
vulus, and was originally brought from South Ame-
rica. Its blossoms are bright purple, but are so
hidden beneath the leaves, as to attract but little
attention.

Most varieties of Convolvulus, or Ipornsea, are an-
nuals, and are grown from seed, but there are some
whose roots are perennial, and in their native climates
they are constantly clothed with verdure. One of
these, which, in this latitude, requires the protection
of the green-house during the winter, extends its
branches to a great length, sometimes forty feet in
one season, and over four hundred flowers have been
counted at one 'time upon a single vine, each flower
being four inches in diameter.

But foremost among the flowers of the garden
stands the rose, a general favorite on account of its
soft and delicate colorings, and its delightful fragrance.

The rose was undoubtedly well known, and its
qualities appreciated, at a very early period. In the
Scriptures, it is alluded to, where the idea of great
beauty and excellence is intended to be conveyed.
Solomon, in Canticles, speaks of the "Rose of Sha-
ron;" and the prophet Isaiah, in ch. xxxv. 1, thus
makes use of it in a beautiful comparison : " The
wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for
them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the

rose."

We are greatly indebted to cultivation for the per-

46 FLOWERS.

fection in which the many beautiful varieties of this
lovely flower now exist. Most of our finest roses were
originally brought from the East, where they are
raised in large quantities as an article of commerce.
Ghazipore may be called the rose-bed of India. In
the spring of the year, an extent of miles around the
town presents to the eye a continued garden of roses.
The sight is perfectly dazzling, the whole surface of
the ground, as far as the eye can reach, being clothed
with the same beautiful carpet of mingled green and
red ; while the air is loaded with the sweetest odors,
which are wafted far across the river Ganges. The
flower is cultivated thus extensively for the manufac-
ture of rose-water.

There is much interest connected with the cultiva-
tion of this flower; the almost indefinite number of
sorts, with hues varying from the most delicate pink
to the deepest crimson, and from the purest white to
a brilliant yellow, renders it a peculiarly fit object to
adorn our conservatories or our flower-gardens. And
while its blossoms are proverbially frail, and continue
at most but a few days, still its rapid and constant
succession of fresh opening buds fill up the places of
those which have fallen beneath the rays of the sun.

" Fairest flower, the pride of spring,
Blooming, beauteous, fading thing
'Tis as yesterday, when first
Forth thy blushing beauties burst,
And I marked thy bosom swell,
And I caught thy balmy smell,
Fondly hoping soon to see
All thy full-blown symmetry:

FLOWERS. 47

But I came — and lo! around
Sadly strewn upon the ground,
Lovely, livid leaves I see —
Ohi can these be all of thee?
I could weep, for so I've known
Many a vivid vision flown ;
Many a hope that found its tomb
Just when bursting into bloom ;
Many a friend — Ah! why proceed?
See afresh my bosom bleed —
Rather turn my thoughts on high,
Hopes there are which cannot die;
Yes, my Saviour, thou canst give
Joys that will not thus deceive ;
Eden's roses never fade,
Eden's prospects have no shade."

There are some beautiful kinds of roses found wild
in almost every part of the country ; when unaltered
by culture they are generally single, and have but
five petals, with a great profusion of stamens, which
fill up the space between the pistil and corolla. In
the cultivated varieties, the number of the petals is
greatly increased, while the stamens are not so
numerous. The common blackberry belongs to the
same class of plants as the rose, and if the peculiar
formation of the flower and leaf be compared with
that of the wild-brier or rose, the resemblance will
at once be seen.

The daisy is so well known to all, that any descrip-
tion of it would seem useless ; but, as there are several
different plants known by that name, it may be well
to speak of them. The bright little flower that is so
welcome in the spring, is the common daisy of Eu-

43 FLOWERS.

rope ; and it is this lovely plant that has formed the
theme of many a poet's song. Wordsworth's three
beautiful poems are too familiar to be quoted. Spen-
ser sang of the " little daisie that at evening closes ;"
while Chaucer and Ben Jonson each had a good
word for the bright " day's eye."

What is commonly called the daisy in this country
is a species of Chrysanthemum : it is also of foreign
origin, and is one of those plants whose beauty hardly
repays for the trouble it gives the farmer, as it in-
creases so rapidly, both by its roots and seed, that
where it once obtains a footing, it soon spreads over
whole fields, thus preventing the growth of that which
is more valuable. It is considered by the Danes to
be so injurious to the pasture, that one of the laws
of Denmark compels the farmers on whose land it
appears, to use every effort to eradicate it.

There is also another variety of plants to which
the name of Michaelmas daisy has been applied in
England; they consist of various kinds of asters,
some of which have been introduced there from
America and China. These are among the last
flowers of summer, even blooming until late in the
autumn. Some of them are possessed of great beauty;
the well-known China Aster, or Queen Marguerite, is
among their number.

The flowers of the daisies are what are termed
compound, or similar to those of the dog- wood. The
beautiful white, blue, or rose-tinted petals, which are
so conspicuous, are the rays of the involucre, and it
is in the centre of these where the compact mass of

FLOWERS. 49

minute flowers lies; so that what is commonly re-
garded as one, consists sometimes of hundreds of
blossoms. Each of these being a complete flower,
with its corolla, pistil, stamens and seed-vessel, as
may readily be seen under the microscope.

Many beautiful compound flowers ornament our
gardens during the summer and autumn. The stately
sun-flower, which grows to an immense size in the
woods and plains of Mexico, and excited the astonish-
ment of the Spanish conquerors; the bright mari-
golds, some of which bloom in almost every month
of the year; the dahlias and chrysanthemums, with
those dear friends the daisies, which welcome the
spring, and around whose quaint little name so many
associations cluster.

4 Not worlds on worlds, in phalanx deep,

Need we to prove a God is here ;
The daisy, fresh from Nature's sleep,
Tells of his hand in lines as clear.

For who but He who arched the skies
And pours the day-spring's living flood,

Wondrous alike in all he tries,

Could raise the daisy's purple bud;

Mould its green cup, its wiry stem,

Its fringed border nicely spin,
And cut the gold-embossed gem

That, set in silver, gleams within;

And fling it, unrestrained and free,
O'er hill and dale, and desert sod,

That man, where'er he walks, may see
In every step the hand of God?"

5 i>

50

LILIES.

CHAPTER IV.

LILIES — VICTORIA REGIA : ITS DISCOVERT — LOTUS OP EGYPT-
LILIES MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE — TULIPS — CALLA LILT-
JACOBEAN LILT.

" Observe the rising lily's snowy grace,
Observe the various vegetable race ;
They neither toil, nor spin, but careless grow,
Yet see, how warm they blush ! how bright they glow!
What regal vestments can with them compare!
What king so shining! or what queen so fair!
If ceaseless thus the fowls of heaven He feeds,
If o'er the earth such lucid robes He spreads ;
Will He not care for you, ye faithless, say?
Is He unwise ? or, are ye less than they ? "

OW many are the charms which
hang around this lovely and beau-
tiful flower, of which it has been
said by the great Redeemer, that
" Solomon, in all his glory, was
not arrayed like one of these ! n

As an emblem of purity, some
species are peculiarly appropriate, their
snow-white petals being unsullied by a stain;
while others are decked in all the rich and
glowing colors of the rainbow.

LILIES. 51

The principal mention of the Lily in Scripture, is
in Canticles, where Solomon frequently uses it as
conveying the impression of great beauty and love-
liness.

There are many flowers to which the name of Lily is
applied, between some of which there seems to be
but little resemblance. Among these, perhaps there
is none more beautiful, and certainly none more won-
derful, than the Victoria Regia, or the Great Water
Lily. No description of this remarkable plant can
convey to the reader any adequate idea of its singu-
lar beauty. It stands alone among its tribe as Queen
of the Waters, nothing having yet been discovered
which can compare with it. (See Frontispiece.)

This plant, although known to naturalists as early
as 1822, was not introduced into England until about
the year 1846, when seeds were taken thither by
Thomas Bridges, a collector of curious plants in South
America. We extract the following narrative from
the published account of his discovery.

" During my stay at the Indian town of Santa
Ana, in the province of Moxos, republic of Bolivia,
during the summer of 1845, I made daily shooting
excursions in the vicinity. In one of these I had
the good fortune, whilst riding along the woody banks
of the river Yacuma, one of the tributary rivers of
the Marnore, to come suddenly on a beautiful pond,
or rather small lake, embosomed in the forest, where,
to my delight and astonishment, I discovered for the
first time, the Queen of Aquatics, the Victoria Regia!
There were at least fifty flowers in view, and Belzoni

52 LILIES.

could not have felt more rapture at his Egyptian dis -
coveries, than I did in beholding the beautiful and
novel sight before me, such as it has fallen to the lot
of few Englishmen to witness. Fain would I have
plunged into the lake to have procured specimens of
the magnificent flowers and leaves; but knowing that
these waters abounded in alligators, I was deterred
from doing so by the advice of my guide, and my
own experience of similar places.

" I now turned over in my thoughts how and in
what way flowers and leaves might be obtained ; and
I clearly saw that a canoe was necessary, and there-
fore returned promptly to the town, and communi-
cated my discovery and wants to the Correjidor or
Governor, who with much kindness immediately or-
dered the Cacique to send Indians with a yoke of
oxen for the purpose of drawing a canoe from the
river Yacuma to the lake. Being apprised that the
canoe was in readiness, I returned in the afternoon,
with several Indians to assist in carrying home the
expected prize of leaves and flowers. The canoe
being very small, only three persons could embark ;
myself in the middle, and an Indian in the bows and
stern. In this tottering little bark we rowed amongst
magnificent leaves and flowers, crushing unavoidably
some, and selecting only such as pleased me. The
leaves being so enormous, I could find room in the
canoe but for two, one before me and one behind;
owing to their being very fragile, even in the green
state, care was necessary to transport them ; and thus
we had to make several trips in the canoe before I

LILIES. 53

obtained the number required. Having loaded my-
self with leaves, flowers, and ripe seed-vessels, I next
mused how they were to be conveyed in safety; and
determined at length upon suspending them on long
poles with small cords, tied to the stalks of the leaves
and flowers. Two Indians, each taking on his shoul-
der an end of the pole, carried them into the town ;
the poor creatures wondering all the while what
could induce me to be at so much trouble to get at
flowers, and for what purpose I destined them now
they were in my possession."

The leaves of this plant are round, and vary con-
siderably in size, the largest being about six feet in
diameter. They float on the surface of the water,
are of a light green color above, and bright purple
below. The margins of the leaves are turned up-
wards, giving them the appearance of floating dishes.
The plant grows in four to six feet of water, producing
leaves and flowers which rapidly decay and give place
to others. From each plant there are seldom more
than four or five leaves on the surface; but even
these, in parts of the lakes where they grow most
abundantly, almost cover the surface of the water,
one leaf touching the other. The blossoms rise six
and eight inches above the surface, expanding first
in the evening, when they are pure white, changing
finally to a beautiful pink or rose color ; and several
may be seen at the same time, partaking of every
tinge between the two. The largest flowers measure
about ten or twelve inches in diameter.

Another very interesting and beautiful plant, simi-
5*

54 LILIES.

lar to the above, although much less in size, is the
Lotus, or the famed Egyptian Water Lily, which was
formerly adored as a deity by the idolatrous inhabit-
ants of that country. It also grows in the river Gan-
ges as well as the Nile, and is held in the same vene-
ration by the natives of Hindostan and Nepal. One
of the latter, upon entering the study of Sir William
Jones, prostrated himself before some specimens
which happened to lie there for examination. The
Egyptians prepare a kind of bread from its seeds,
and sometimes feed upon its tuberous roots.

Pond Lily.

The Lotus resembles very closely our own White
Pond Lily, except that the flowers and leaves, instead
of resting upon the surface of the water, rise some
distance above it.

Some authors believe the Lotus to be the Lily of
the Old Testament, as very frequently, in Canticles,
Solomon speaks of his beloved " feeding among
lilies;" and the root, stalks, and seeds being common
articles of Egyptian diet, would naturally lead to such
a conclusion, especially as it is supposed that the

LILIES.

55

White Lily.

Song of Solomon was written on the occasion of his
marriage with an Egyptian princess.

The great beauty of the com-
mon White Lily of our gardens,
would naturally suggest that it
was the one so often spoken of in
Scripture; but as it is not certain
that this was a native flower in
Palestine, it seems more probable
that the plant often referred to is,
as Dr. Kitto believes, the Yellow
Amaryllis, which covers large
tracts of country in the Holy
Land, and blooms until so late
in the year, as to be almost in its
prime when most other plants
have yielded to the influence of the cold.

The many -colored Tulip, whose gorgeous tints
would outshine even the robes of eastern royalty, has
also been supposed by some to be the subject of our
Saviour's allusion when he so beautifully and so ten-
derly encouraged the drooping faith of his disciples.
The beauty of the Tulips in the plains of Sharon, as
well as at Joppa, has frequently attracted the notice
of British travellers; and even the gayety and bril-
liancy of a bed of Tulips in our own gardens, is an
unfailing source of admiration.

Another kind of Lily which adorns our green-
houses and gardens early in the Spring, is the Calla.
This plant is a native of Africa, and frequents low,
wet grounds, where its tall leaves and flower-stalks

56 LILIES.

stand two and three feet above the water, the latter
bearing a long spike of flowers, surrounded by one
beautiful broad petal or sheath, of the purest white,
this sheath is termed a spadix, and forms a good
example of a very singular mode of flowering.

The Jacobean Lily is a species of Amaryllis, of a
deep crimson or almost mahogany color, and flowers
also in the Spring. There is a very curious process
by which the seed becomes fertilized in this plant.
In the morning a drop of very clear liquid issues
from the stigma; this liquid receives the pollen which
falls from the anthers, and soon becomes thick and
turbid, and about noon is so heavy as to be almost
ready to drop, when it is again absorbed, carrying
with it the fertilizing principle of the stamens.

These plants, though all known by the familiar
name of Lilies, belong to entirely different families;
the true Lilies embracing only those which are not
aquatics.

THE CHILD AND THE LILY.

I saw, one morn, a little maid

With locks of golden hair,
Pluck from its stem beneath the shade

A lily bright and fair.
And with a heart all full of glee,

"Oh! dear mother!" she cried,
"Look what a sweet charm this will be

To set here by my side ;
For now I'll smell its soft perfume,

Its graceful form will view;
And gaze upon its placid bloom,

All decked with shining dew.

LILIES. 57

Oh! can it be that here below,

All o'er the verdant plain,
This fair and beauteous flower should grow

And bud, and bloom, in vain?
It looks so sweet, and pure, and good,

Within its robes of white,
It makes me wish that if I could,

I too might look so bright."

" Oh ! then, my child, if thou wouldst be,"

The mother soft replied,
"Like that fair flower from spot so free,

Or taint of earthly pride,
Lift up thy heart to God above,

Who reigns supreme on high ;
And ask, that in His matchless love

He'd deign to hear thy cry;
And from thy soul to wash away

Each foul and guilty stain,
And on thy spirit shed a ray

Of life and peace again.
Ask that thus washed thy robes may DC,

Pure as the lilies fair;
That thou, from sin forever free,

Christ's spotless robe may wear.
And let thy youthful heart be riven

From this vile world away;
And all thy hopes be fixed on heaven,

The realms of endless day;
For there, within His fold of rest,

Amid unfading light,
The ransomed soul, forever blest,

Shall walk with Him in white.'

58 THE AQUARIUM.

CHAPTER V.

8 HILARITY BETWEEN THE FUNCTIONS OF PLANTS AND ANI-
MALS THE AQUARIUM PRINCIPLES UPON WHICH IT IS

SUSTAINED — EARLY EXPERIMENTS WITH THE AQUARIUM —
PLANTS MOST SUITABLE FOR THE PURPOSE — SEA WEEDS,
MOULD, LICHENS, MOSSES, FERNS.

T is a very curious fact that in many of
the functions of plants, we observe a
close resemblance to those witnessed in
animal life ; thus, the circulation of the
sap, which will be more fully described
hereafter, is in effect precisely similar
to the circulation of the blood in the human
body, vessels being provided in each, which
are peculiarly adapted to carrying the fluids
which support their existence to the parts
where they are needed. Respiration is also a point
in which great similarity exists. Leaves are the
breathing organs of plants ; through them the sap is
brought into contact with the air, where it absorbs
that which is necessary for its purification. In this
operation we shall notice a wonderful provision by
which nature seeks to preserve a proper balance be-
tween the requirements of the animal and vegetable
world. In the purification of the blood, the air taken

THE AQUARIUM.

59

The Aquarium.

into the lungs is deprived of a large amount of oxy-
gen gas, while at the same time it becomes charged
with carbonic acid gas, which is incapable of support-
ing animal life. This noxious principle is absorbed
by the leaves of plants, where it appears to undergo
decomposition; the carbon being retained for the use
of the plant, and the oxygen liberated to assist in
restoring the atmosphere to its original purity. This

60 THE AQUARIUM.

action takes place only under the influence of light,
as during the night the contrary occurs, the leaves
giving out carbon and absorbing oxygen, although in
very small quantities compared with what is emitted
during the daytime.

If a bunch of leaves be introduced into a jar of
air which has been deprived of its vitality by means
of animal respiration, and the jar exposed to the rays
of the sun, the air will, in a few hours, again become
pure and wholesome.

The same principle holds good in aquatic plants,
many of them having the power of keeping the water
in which they grow from becoming impure or foul.

In ponds where there is no regular supply of fresh
water from running streams, it has been noticed that,
during the winter, when the plants are dead, the fish
frequently come to the surface to breathe, while in
the summer, when the plants are growing, the vitality
of the water is preserved.

It is upon this wonderful law of Nature that the
aquarium, that endless source of amusement and in-
struction, is based; and although it is as much
intended to illustrate the functions of animal as of
vegetable life, perhaps the following account, taken
from a beautiful work, entitled " Ocean and River
Gardens," descriptive of the principles upon which
it is conducted, may be interesting to the reader.

" The successful treatment of aquatic plants and
animals, in the confined space of a glass aquarium,
depends entirely upon the discovery that there exists
in Nature a self-adjusting balance between the supply

THE AQUARIUM. 6J

of oxygen created in water, and the quantity con-
sumed by aquatic animals. And it became equally
necessary to know the means by which that supply
was continually generated. Without the knowledge
of these facts, and the principles by which they are
regulated, it would have been impossible to establish
Buch a marine aquarium as we may now any day
examine in the Regent's Park (London) ] where, in
a few glass tanks, of very moderate size, we may see
examples of some of the most curious forms of animal
and vegetable life peculiar to the depths of the ocean ;
forms so singular, that their first exhibition created a
sense of wonder little less intense than that which
must have been caused, long years ago, by the first
public display of the mountain form of the Elephant
to the people of cold northern countries.

" Those principles, the knowledge of which was
requisite to enable us thus to view the wonders of
the Ocean in their living state in the aquarium, were
not mastered at once, or by one man, or in one gene-
ration. The nature of certain relations between
animal and vegetable life, upon which they are
founded, was first advanced by Priestley, towards the
close of the last century, who proved that plants give
forth the oxygen necessary to animal life.

" But it was not till the year 1833, that Professor
Daubeny communicated to the British Association at
Cambridge, a paper concerning some new researches
prosecuted in the same direction ; while in the sum-
mer of 1850, R. TVarrington communicated to the
Chemical Society a series of observations on the
6

62 THE AQUARIUM.

adjustment of certain relations between the animal
and vegetable kingdoms, very important to our pre-
sent purpose. Two small gold-fish were placed in a
glass receiver, a small plant of Valisneria Spiralis
being planted at the same time in some earth, be-
neath a layer of sand in the same vessel. All went
on well by this arrangement, without any necessity
for changing the water ; the oxygen given off by the
plant proving itself sufficient for the supply of its
animal co-tenants, and the water therefore remaining
clean and pure, until some decayed leaves of the
valisneria caused turbidity. To remedy this evil, he
brought to bear the results of previous observations
on water in natural ponds under analogous circum-
stances ; and, guided by these observations and their
results, he placed a few common pond-snails in the
vessel containing his gold-fish and plant of valisneria.

" The new inmates, immediately upon their intro-
duction, began to feed greedily upon the decaying
vegetable matter, and all was quickly restored to a
healthy state. They proved, indeed, of still further
advantage, for the masses of eggs which they depo-
sited evidently presented a kind of food natural to
the fishes, which was eagerly devoured by them, so
that the snails became not only the scavengers, but
also the feeders of the little colony. And so this first
of true aquaria prospered; the animals and plants
proving of mutual value and support to each other.

"By the culture of some of our most beautiful
fresh- water plants, in glass aquaria, many of the wild
beauties of Nature, in some of her most pleasing and

THE AQUARIUM. 63

interesting aspects, may be wrought into attractive
decorations for our ordinary living-rooms, with, very
little trouble or expense.

" By means of an aquarium, the forms and habits
of fish, reptiles, and aquatic insects [also,] may be
made to develop themselves under our eyes, undis-
turbed by the continual necessity of changing the
water; thus affording us the curious spectacle of
many phases of animal life that have hitherto been
concealed in depths inaccessible to the observation
of the most curious."

A very interesting circumstance which appears to
have occurred during some of the early researches
of the same author in aquatic animal life, although a
digression from our subject, is too curious to be
omitted.

He says, " A strange, scorpion-like creature, after
exercising its voracious appetite upon every other
living thing in the vessel in which I had placed it,
seemed suddenly to lose all taste for the luxuries of
the palate, notwithstanding a copious supply of the
living delicacies it was most fond of, and with which
I had taken care to furnish it at regular intervals.
It became restless and apparently diseased, and I
concluded that I was about to lose this favorite spe-
cimen as I had lost so many others. Its uneasiness,
however, took quite a different turn to the one I ex-
pected, ending in nothing less than a determination
to leave its native element. Had I seen a Carp or a
Tench quietly walk out of the fish-pond and climb a
tree, I could not have been more astonished than

64 THE AQUARIUM.

when I saw this creature of the water, which, with
its fin-like tail, and other appendages, was evidently
intended for a denizen of that element, quietly crawl
up a stick which was standing in the vessel, and,
emerging from the water, remain quietly attached to
the support it had selected, at some inches above the
surface of the element it thus so strangely and sud-
denly quitted. Its determination appeared the more
astonishing, as I soon perceived its finny tail, its legs,
and at last the whole of its skin, gradually hardened
and blackened, and it appeared to have shared the
natural fate of a fish out of water. After watching
it for some days, without perceiving any further
change, other matters occupied my attention, and I
entirely forgot the fate of my voracious pet, which
had met such an untimely end in consequence of
rashly leaving the proper sphere of its existence.

" Some little time afterwards I was about to empty
the jar, and throw away the stick to which the dried
and hardened form of the victim to getting out of
bounds was still attached, when I thought I perceived
a division in the blackened skin of the back. As I-
saw that the opening widened, my curiosity became
again excited, and I determined to watch and see if
any other change would follow. Taking a book,
therefore, I sat down near the object of my attention.
I had not read many pages, turning frequently to-
wards the remains upon the stick, when suddenly — •
I shall never forget the surprise of the moment —
when suddenly the opening of the back was much
widened, as by some sudden effort, and the greater

THEAQUARIUM. 65

part of a glittering Dragon-fly became plainly visible;
very quickly the whole insect emerged from the
blackened shell, spreading its great gossamer wings
to the sun, which was shining brightly through the
window.

" I had by an accident, for I can hardly call it the
result of a course of observation, witnessed one of
the most extraordinary and complete of the meta-
morphoses that occur in the whole range of insect
life, and was all anxiety to pursue my discoveries. I
was, however, baffled in ail future attempts, at that
time, to extend my knowledge of the mysterious
creatures of the world of waters ; and it was not till
recent discoverers have shown how the Aquarium
may be made the means of facilitating studies of that
class, combined with an elegant and delightful mode
of amusement, that I resumed the course of observa-
tion which has been so long interrupted by difficulties
which appeared insurmountable."

Those plants which naturally grow entirely below
the surface of the water, are best calculated for the
purpose of the Aquarium, as they are less liable to
decay; and their leaves being mostly very fine and
delicate, they not only present a more beautiful ap-
pearance, but the breathing organs are more gene-
rally distributed throughout the water. This is par-
ticularly noticeable in marine plants, they consisting
frequently of bunches of delicately formed filaments,
of so fragile a texture as to be very easily broken,
but which float at their ease upon the ocean, waving
6* E

66 THE AQUARIUM.

to and fro with the motion of the water as gracefully
as the trees wave before the winds.

In the illustration on page 59, the tall and graceful
form of the Calla will be recognized rearing its beau-
tiful flowers far above the surface of the water, while
below will be seen the forms of some of the most
interesting aquatics.

The foliage of the Myriophyllum presents a fine
appearance when seen floating in the water, the very
minute divisions of which have given it the name of
Milfoil, or thousand leaves.

The Water Buttercup is also a very interesting
plant, on account of its peculiar growth ; the leaves
which appear below the surface of the water are so
deeply cut, as apparently to consist of nothing but
veins or fibres, while those which are developed above
are broad and flat, the veins being connected by the
ordinary tissue. The Starwort also presents the same
formation; the foliage below is long and slender,
while it spreads out upon the surface in beautiful
whorls, somewhat like a star. Here we see peculiari-
ties adapted to two different elements, existing in the
same plant.

The number of plants which may be grown suc-
cessfully in an Aquarium, is great • but for ordinary
purposes, three or four well-selected varieties are suf-
ficient. In all cases a specimen of Yalisneria Spi-
ralis should be obtained, if possible, as its grass-like
appearance is particularly appropriate, and it is aD
excellent generator of oxygen.

SEA WEEDS.

67

Sea "Weeds.

The flowing and deli-
cate forms, and the rich-
ness of coloring of many
of the "Sea Weeds,"
as they are called, ren-
der them objects pecu-
liarly worthy of our
attention. The careless
lounger at the sea-side,
as he casts his vacant
gaze over the swelling
bosom of the deep,
dreams not of the store
of hidden treasures
which lie veiled beneath
its waters. Little does

he think that wave upon wave, as they roll in cease-
less succession, tossing their snowy crests upon the
pebbly shore, come freighted with the beauties of
many a far-distant clime. But an eye accustomed to
recreate among the varied scenes which adorn this
beautiful world, cannot but feel an irresistible long-
ing to lift the folds of that broad curtain which
separates him from the wonders of the vast mysterious
ocean. Each new-born gale that wafts its saline fra-
grance o'er the white-capped billows, and every ripple
that laves his feet, is laden with themes for sugges-
tive thought; while every tide that flows, bearing
upon its swell jewels from the profoundest depths,
itself unveils in its ebbings the beauties uf a " world
beneath the sea."

68 SEA WEEDS.

If you will examine the beach during the recess of
the tides, particularly after a storm, you will find it
thickly strewn with fr? gments of the most beautiful
plants; some being colored with the most brilliant
shades of crimson, some sparkling as with gold, or
glittering like silver, and all possessing a very pecu-
liar and cuvious formation ; while in the little pools
among the rocks may be seen many of the lower
forms of animal life, which are truly wonderful.
Almost any of the marine plants are suitable for the
Aquarium, and it is here that their peculiar habits
may be most carefully studied. They generally thrive
well with little care, and mostly present a singular
appearance, fastened to the rocks, and growing we
scarce know how. A few of these, well chosen and
tastefully arranged in a glass tank, together with
shell-fish, Sea Anemones, and a few Sticklebacks and
Minnows to give life to the whole, will form an object
which cannot fail to interest the most unthinking in-
dividual.

There are some plants found growing on the rocks
near the sea, which, although they resemble the sea-
weeds in some respects, belong to a different class,
and a slight knowledge of botany will enable any one
to distinguish between them.

The Samphire is an example ; it is an umbellifer-
ous plant, and never grows below the surface of the
water, but fastens itself upon the rocks just beyond
the reach of the tide, but where it can receive suffi-
cient moisture from the spray.

An interesting anecdote is related of some ship

SEA WEEDS. 69

wrecked mariners who owed the preservation of their
lives to the knowledge of the habits of this plant,
possessed by one of their number.

It was many years ago that a large ship was driven
upon the rocks in the English Channel, upon which
she soon became a wreck. The entire crew were lost
except four, who clung to a large projecting crag,
which appeared to be the only refuge to which they
could resort. The darkness of the night rendered
every other object invisible, except when the vivid
flashes of lightning would cast upon the wild scene
around them a momentary glare, revealing the true
horrors of their forlorn condition. This was rendered
the more hopeless as they perceived that the tide
was rising, and the spot on which they stood was
decreasing in size as each succeeding wave broke
over them. The storm was too violent to admit of
their being heard from the shore, and the melan-
choly thought that they would soon be driven from
their only hope of safety by the advancing waters
was truly disheartening. Just at this moment, when
they were debating whether or not they should com-
mit themselves to the mercy of the waves, in hopes
of reaching some more elevated position, one of them,
while endeavoring to hold more firmly to the rock,
grasped a weed, which, wet as it was, he at once re-
cognized as the Rock Samphire, which he knew never
grew beneath the water. The knowledge of this fact,
indicating that the tide had nearly reached its highest
point, assured them that they might remain with
safety. Their anxiety was at once relieved, and the

70

SEA WEEDS.

rest of that dreadful night passed in comparative
comfort. At daybreak their perilous condition was
discovered from the shore, and they were rescued
aA little learning," in this case, was certainly no
" dangerous thing."

The Sea Weeds, or marine " Algae/' as they are
termed, belong to the first great natural order
of plants, — the Acrogenous ; they are so called be-
cause, with a few exceptions, they are devoid of
the usual appendages of plants — stems, leaves,
and flowers. Some of the simplest forms belong-
ing to this order consist merely of a mass of cellu-
lar tissue. The mould which collects in damp

places, and sometimes upon the top
of articles of food that have been
kept in damp closets, is a little plant
of this order. The green tinge as-
sumed by stagnant water, is owing
to the presence of a species of fresh
water "Algae," which grows spon-
taneously in such places. The beau-
tiful lichens that cover the bark of
some trees, and the rails and boards
of old fences, the many kinds of
moss with which our woods abound, and the un-
sightly mushroom and toadstool, all belong to this
order of plants. In all these there exists nothing
which can be strictly defined as either stem, leaf,
or flower; but in the "Ferns," which also belong to
the same order, we see the connecting link between
the higher and the lower forms of vegetable life. The

Mould, magnified.

FERNS.

71

rudiment of a stem exists underground in what is
called a rhizome, from which
the fronds shoot out, in
the same manner as the
leaves spring from the buds
of other plants ; these fronds
have a strong midrib which
is commonly called a stalk.
There are said to be between
two and three thousand va-
rieties of Ferns ; some of
them, in the tropics, attain
the enormous height of
thirty feet. Their growth is
extremely interesting, the
fronds opening in a peculiar Ferns,

manner, unwinding them-
selves, as it were, from a round ball. The seed-
vessels are placed on the back of the fronds in little
spots or bunches, and the seed is so fine as to be only
perceptible under the microscope. Ferns thrive best
in moist and warm situations ; if grown under a glass
vessel which will confine the moisture, they form a
beautiful and interesting parlor ornament.

72

ARCTIC PLANTS.

CHAPTER VI.

ARCTIC PLANTS — VARIETIES OF CLIMATE AND EFFECT UPON
VEGETATION — RHODODENDRONS TEA — MODE OF PREPARA-
TION — BARREN PINE PITCHER PLANT SPIKENARD

SAFFRON — CROCUSSES — MOTION IN PLANTS — SENSITIVE
PLANT — VENUS FLY-TRAP — ROOTS OF PLANTS.

T is very interesting and instructive
to examine into the character of the
different plants which are adapted to
various sections of the globe.

While there is but little doubt
that Nature no where displays her
gaudy colorings in greater profusion, or to
better advantage than in the wilds of South
America, yet there are many other lands
where the productions of the vegetable king-
dom are no less useful and attractive. Even the ice-
bound regions of the Arctic Circle can boast of their
green mossy banks and smiling flowers, which are
certainly none the less remarkable for the fact that,
owing to the shortness of the summer season, the
process of vegetation is so rapid, that in some species
the whole time required to reach maturity is little
more than a month.

ALPINE PLANTS. 73

Many Alpine plants, cradled in perpetual snows,
and exposed during a great part of the year to the
driving of the wintry blasts, which are so common
in Switzerland, Lapland, and other cold regions, are
so tenacious of their accustomed haunts and habits,
that

" The raging tempest and the mountain's roar,
But bind them to their native hills the more;

and any attempt to grow them in a milder climate is
generally attended with failure. These plants are
mostly quite diminutive, although they sometimes
produce flowers of considerable size and beauty.

The most common color among plants which in-
habit very cold countries is white, or a light shade
of pink or yellow. Thus, the snow-drop, the lily of
the valley, the white-flowered wood-sorrel, are all
productions of high northern latitudes; while in
warmer regions, the flowers are robed in stronger
hues.

It is observed that mountainous places are generally
much more productive than the valleys ; but there is
scarcely any situation, however unfavorably located,
where plants and flowers are not occasionally met
with. They are found

" Springing in valleys green and low,

And on the mountains high;
And in the silent wilderness,
Where no one passes by."

On one of the highest points in Europe, at the
elevation of eight thousand feet above the level of

7

74 EFFECTS OF CLIMATE.

the sea, is a beautiful and verdant garden, which is
entirely surrounded by snows that never melt. This
spot is covered with Alpine plants ; and so luxuriant
is the growth of the vegetation, that at certain sea-
sons of the year the Swiss peasants drive their cattle
over the great glacier of Mer de Glace for the sake
of the delightful pasture the valley affords.

In our own country, where so great a variety of
climate is witnessed, it is probable that a greater
variety of plants can be enumerated than in any other.
Our gardens and conservatories are indebted for many
of their finest ornaments to the far-off fields and woods
of California, Mexico, and the territories west of the
Rocky Mountains, — countries which combine within
their range a climate varying almost from frigid to
tropical, and exhibiting at the same season a corre-
sponding difference in their floral productions. In
the northern and western States, while the cold earth
still lies locked in winter's last embraces, the woods
of the south are teeming with life, the fields are
clothed with the verdure of spring, and the air is
scented with the perfume of flowers. But in the
regions of tropical Mexico, and the everglades of
Florida, vegetation becomes so entirely changed in
its character, as to maintain a more uniform appear-
ance at all seasons of the year.

Most plants, whose roots are perennial, have a
period of rest, during which they cease to grow ; in
the north, this is usually indicated by the falling of
the leaves, and the plant assuming the appearance
of being dead; in the tropics it is marked by the

THE RHODODENDRON.

75

absence of flowers, and of the fresh and vivid green

of the younger growth.

But in many plants,
even in rigorous cli-
mates, this period of
rest is not attended
by the falling of the
foliage. The beauti-
ful varieties of the
Rhododendron, some
of which inhabit the
mountains of Pennsyl-
vania, are examples,
among many others,
of evergreen shrubs.
The greatest variety
of these superb flower-
ing plants grow on the

Rhododendron. WOody slopes of the

Himalaya Mountains, where they may be seen early
in the spring loaded with their conspicuous heads of
often gay-colored and fragrant blossoms. Occasion-
ally large trees become quite embowered in them, as
they sometimes fasten themselves to the trunks, and,
leaving their hold upon the earth, creep to the very
summits, where they grow in the manner of parasites,
deriving their nourishment from the bark.

The flowers of these plants vary much, both in
size and color ; some are very large, and appear two
or three together ; these are mostly white^ or cream-
colored, resembling a lily ; others are brilliant crim-

76 THETEAPLANT.

eon, deep scarlet, rose-colored, yellow, or purple, and
hang in large bunches at the ends of the branches.
Travellers in the Himalaya Mountains speak of the
Rhododendrons as being among the most beautiful
of the many vegetable curiosities of that fertile

region.

There are also many plants whose leaves, as well
as their flowers, form objects of wonder; and some
are rendered peculiarly interesting because of the
prominent part they occupy in our domestic economy.
Thus, the common Tea Plant is so well known, that
every one should be made acquainted with the mode
of its culture, as well as with the method of convert-
ing the leaves into that useful article, which takes so
conspicuous a place in the commerce of the world.

This plant grows about eight feet in height, with
leaves two and a half inches long, and one and a half
wide, and bears a small white flower. The Chinese
raise the plants from seed, and when they have grown
of sufficient size, they are set out in the ground at
intervals of about three or four feet apart; they are
kept cropped close for a year or two, to make them
grow thick and bushy. When they are about four
years of age, they commence to gather the leaves j
this is done several times during the year, and is
continued for about six or eight years, when they are
removed and fresh ones planted. The leaves first
gathered in the spring make the finest flavored teas,
while those which are taken subsequently produce a
much inferior article.

What are commonly known as green &?id black

THETEAPLANT. 77

teas are the products of the same plant, treated in
different ways. The green tea is made by commencing
to dry the leaves in the ovens as soon as they are
picked, the whole operation of drying, rolling, and
roasting, being done very quickly ; while in the black
tea the leaves, when picked, are laid in the sun until
they become entirely soft and wilted, when they are
shaken about in sieves held over hot steam ; this de-
prives them of the peculiar properties which belong
to the green tea. When the leaves become quite
flaccid and watery, they are put into large copper
dishes and roasted for a few minutes over a hot fire,
when they are taken out and rolled between the
hands. In the finer sorts, each leaf is rolled sepa-
rately ; after this, the process of drying and baking
is commenced by alternately placing them over the
fire, and then exposing them to the air for some
hours. This is repeated five or six times, when^ the
tea is fit for use.

Tea leaves possess properties which will produce
giddiness, headache, and even paralysis; these pro-
perties are much weakened in the process of drying ;
and the longer this is in being completed, the more
wholesome tea becomes. Both green and black teas
act as powerful nervous stimulants upon a system
which has not become accustomed to them; hence
the benefit often derived from their use by persons
in advanced life who have abstained from them when
young.

The tea plant was cultivated, and its leaves used,
as early as the fourth century; and; in the year 763,
7*

78

THE TEA PLANT.

Tea Plant.

a duty of ten per cent,
was laid upon it by the
Chinese government;
since which time it
has been a fruitful
source of revenue to
the Empire. The an-
nual product of China
alone amounts to the
enormous quantity of
two and one-half bil-
lions of pounds —
(2,500,000,000.) Add
to this the vast pro-
duct of Japan, Java,
and Corea, and we may justly be amazed to think
what a great tea-drinker the world is.

Wherever we turn our eyes, and from whatever
point we 'view the vegetable kingdom, we see new
wonders ; something new to be learned ; and as we
are always forgetting, how well it is that new subjects
of interest are always awaiting our notice. And how
instructive it is in all these things to observe that
Nature adapts herself to the peculiar circumstances
in which she is placed.

The barren pine, so called from its being unpro-
ductive, exactly resembles the stem that bears the
pine-apple in our green-houses. It is not, however,
entirely useless ; for in some species there is a pro-
tuberance hanging down resembling a bowl ; in this
the rain collects, and remains a considerable length

THE PITCHER PLANT.

79

of time quite pure and sweet. This, Nature provides
for the use of the plant. It grows on the dry stump
of a withered tree, and from the sapless wood it could
derive no nourishment ; and thus a new mode of sup-
plying it with moisture is found. Nor is this all ;
the plant generally grows on trees on the tops of
mountains, where there are neither streams nor
springs, and in hot weather it frequently yields the
traveller a cooi and refreshing draught, when no other
water can be found near it.
There are also some
plants which spring up in
dry and sunburnt soils,
whose herbage is of so
juicy a nature, as to serve
the same purpose as water
in quenching the thirst.
But perhaps the most re-
markable plant yet known,
which possesses the faculty
of secreting pure water, is the Pitcher Plant. From
the end of each leaf hangs a large vessel in the shape
of a pitcher, and capable of holding nearly a pint
of water; each pitcher has a lid fitting closely to
the top, and opening wide upon its hinges in damp
weather, and again closing when it is dry, to prevent
evaporation. But how, it may be asked, is this deli-
cately suspended vessel supported when so full ? Na-
ture here supplies an adequate provision ; behind the
lid is placed a little hook, which, with marvellous
sagacity, catches hold upon some neighboring twig

Pitcher Plant.

80 SPIKENARD.

or tendril, and thus the required support is obtained.
The liquid is secreted by the plant itself, and is re-
markably pure, though it grows in a muddy and un-
wholesome marsh.

I'he costly and delicious odor, known in ancient
times as Spikenard, has been assigned by various au-
thors as the product of different plants, and it has
not been until recently that any satisfactory infor-
mation has been gained respecting it. There now
appears, however, to be but little doubt that it is a
species of Valerian, which grows in the colder parts
of the mountains of India. The plant must have
been comparatively rare, as it is always spoken of in
Scripture as being very precious Or costly. When
Mary anointed the head of Jesus with this sweet
perfume, Judas took occasion to murmur at the waste,
saying, that " this ointment might have been sold for
more than three hundred pence, and given to the
poor." It was usually imported in boxes of alabaster,
and when the master of a house received his guests,
it was customary for him not only to crown them with
flowers, but also to bring forth the box of precious
ointment, and break the seal which prevented the
volatile perfume from escaping, and anoint them with
it. So sweet was its fragrance, and so much esteemed,
that Horace, speaking of it, says, " that a small onyx
box full was equal in value to a large vessel of wine."
Its costliness was probably owing in part to the great
distance from which it was brought.

In reading over the books of the Old Testament,
one cannot fail to be struck with the fact that per-

SAFFRON. 81

ftimes were held in great esteem by the Hebrews, and
that very large quantities were used by them.

" Spikenard and Saffron, Calamus and Cinnamon,
with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with
all the chief spices," (Cant. iv. 14,) seem to have
been very prominently useful in the preparation of
odors which were then esteemed so important in the
performance of many religious rites. It was among
these, as above enumerated by Solomon, that we have
the first mention of Saffron.

There are few, perhaps, who are not well acquainted
with the common Crocus of our gardens, which in
the spring, in company with the Snowdrop, fairly
pierces the snow and ice, to gain admission to the
light, and expand its beautiful blossoms. The Saffron,
although it blooms in the fall instead of the spring,
is nevertheless a genuine crocus. In some parts of
England it is extensively cultivated, and has almost
become naturalized, and may often be seen spreading
out its bright purple flowers to the sun, in the mea-
dows and pasture-fields.

The article, known as Saffron in commerce, is no-
thing more than the dried stigmas taken from the
flower ; they are of a very brilliant yellow color, and
possess an agreeable odor.

The power of motion, similar to that of animals,
is often seen in the vegetable kingdom. It is very
common for climbing plants to bend their stems to-
ward some object upon which they may obtain sup-
port ; this can hardly be called motion, as the change
of position is so gradual as scarcely to be perceptible.

r

82 MOTIONIN

Bat in some of the species of Mimosa or Sensitive
Plants, the slightest touch of the hand will produce
a sudden and very considerable change in the posi-
tion of the leaves, as they will immediately fold them-
selves together, and if the touch be repeated, the
leaf-stalks will fall and bend themselves toward the
stem. A strong wind or heavy rain will produce the
same effect, and those kinds which grow in countries
where there is a long continuance of rain, close their
leaves upon its approach, and are seldom fully ex-
panded until the return of fair weather.

The leaves of the common sensitive plant will par-
tially close at evening, and remain so until the light
of day again causes them to expand ; and when ex-
posed to sudden cold during the daytime, they will
fold themselves face to face, so as to allow as little as
possible of the upper surface to remain open to the
air.

The Venus Fly-trap is also an example of motion ;
the leaves are very curiously constructed. At the
extremities are spread out two wide and rounded
lobes, each armed upon the margin with rows of
spines, or rather stiff hair -like processes, locking
into each other when they meet, which always occurs
when irritated. The upper surface of these lobes is
covered with minute glands, which evidently con-
tain a liquid attractive to insects, as they fre-
quently resort to the plants ; but no sooner do they
alight upon the leaves, and their little feet irritate
them, than the two lobes instantly fold together,
squeezing the insect to death. The leaf seldom opens

ROOTS OF PLANTS. 83

again, unless the prisoner is first set free; and so
powerful is the grasp by which it is held, that it re-
quires considerable force to liberate it. The plant
cannot, however, discriminate between the touch of a
straw and the tickling of a bee, as the effect of either
is the same.

The peculiarity of the roots of different plants is
as noticeable as that of the leaves and flowers ; and
although they possess nothing that is attractive to
the eye, they are nevertheless essential to the exist-
ence of the plant.

They have been, for the most part, placed by the
Creator below the surface of the ground, yet they
are not to be entirely lost sight of on this account.
Let us learn from them not to despise those whose
circumstances in life are apparently beneath our own,
but ever remember that the proud and majestic oak,
that waves its tall summit in the breeze, uncon-
scious of the root that bears it, is none the less de-
pendent on that root for its safety in the storm.

All plants have either annual, biennial, or peren-
nial roots. Annuals are such as continue but one
year, the plant reproducing its species by seed ; bien-
nials are such as spring from the seed, forming a
plant during the first year which does not mature its
seed until the second season ; and perennials are such
as live for an unlimited length of time, making fresh
growth and producing seed each year.

The most common form of roots is fibrous ; these
are divided and subdivided into minute filaments
which often penetrate the soil to a great distance. It

84 ROOTS OF PLANTS.

has been said by some authors that the roots of trees
spread as much beneath the ground as the branches
do above it; but this can hardly be said to hold
good in all cases. Fibrous-rooted plants often per-
form great service in loose sandy soils, especially
along water-courses, where they form a thick and
matted mass, thus preventing the washing away of
the earth. Tuberous roots are solid and very irregular
in their shape, and are often linked together by slen-
der fibres. Roots of this form are the most useful, as
they are generally edible; the common potato, the
turnip, and the radish, are familiar examples.

Bulbous roots are of various kinds ; some are solid,
as in the crocus ; others are composed of fleshy layers
placed one above the other, as in the onion ; and others
consist of thin scales, as in some species of the lily.
They all appear to act as reservoirs for the vitality
of the plant during its dormant state.

A bulb is entirely analogous to the bud upon a
tree, each containing within itself the embryo of the
future stem or plant. In the bulb of the tulip, the
microscope will reveal the entire leaf, stem and flower,
all folded up within its layers, and which require no-
thing but the action of light, heat and moisture, to
expand into perfection ; so in the bud upon the tree,
the leaves and blossoms which open in the spring are
all encased in miniature in that tiny compass.

TREE S.

85

CHAPTER VII.

TREES.

USES OF TREES — THE OAK — VARIETIES OP THE OAK — STRUC-
TURE OF THE ACORN — GROWTH OF THE TREE — CIRCULATION
OF THE SAP EFFECT OF LIGHT UPON THE FOLIAGE — LIVE-
OAK CORK-OAK HOLLY-OAK "OAKS OF BASHAN"

BLACK AND WHITE-OAKS STATISTICS OF THE SIZE AND

AGES OF VARCOUS OAKS IN AMERICA AND EUROPE THE

CHESTNUT AND THE CHESTNUT-OAK — AGE AND SIZE OF THB
CHESTNUT — THE BEECH — THE WALNUT — THE HICKORY.

ET us now turn our attention from
the beautiful verdure which clothes
the surface of the earth, and behold
the wonders of creative skill, as dis-
played in the majestic Trees of the
Forest. How gracefully they bend
their waving summits to the passing gale !
How softly murmurs the fragrant breath of
summer through their leafy bowers ! How
gorgeous are the tints in which sere autumn
robes them ! While dark and dreary winter, with its
thousand storms, wraps its grey mantle around their
naked branches.

How indispensably necessary to our comfort are
trees ! How endless are the uses to which they are
8

WOOD.

applied ! To say nothing of their beauty and the
charming freshness of their shade, how multiplied
are the conveniences which they afford by supplying
us with that most useful article, Wood !

Without trees for building purposes, and for the
manufacture of those many utensils, which seem al-
most coupled with our very existence, how changed
would life be ! Half the comfort of our houses is
due to the wood which forms so large a part of the
materials of which they are constructed ; and many of
the charms of country firesides are owing to the uncon-
scious and unsightly logs that lie blazing upon the
hearthstone.

But however dependent upon trees for the supply
of our daily wants, and however they may excite our
admiration when we look upon their noble forms, yet
how few there are who sufficiently reflect upon the
manifold blessings which are conferred upon us by
their existence !

The forest trees of
the temperate zone
may be considered ag
forming the type of
the second great na-
tural order of plants,
called "Exogenous,"
from the fact that the
new growth takes
place on the exterior
surface of the stem, a
new layer of wood be-

Exogonous Wood, showing th«
growth of nine years.

WOOD. 87

ing deposited each year. The leaves of such plants
have their veins running in all directions, forming a
fine network.

It is to this class of trees that we principally look
for our supply of timber for building and other pur-
poses, as they are far more abundant than the endo-
genous, and attain to a much greater size, while the
wood is more easily worked, and much more durable.

The most useful woods in supplying our daily wants,
both as fuel and building-lumber, are Oak, Chestnut,
Pine, Hemlock, Elm, Ash, Hickory, Poplar, and
Maple.

Those which are most useful as fancy-woods for
the manufacture of Cabinet-ware, are Mahogany,
Walnut, Rose-wood, (obtained from a species of Mi-
mosa which grows in Brazil,) Tulip-wood, (to be had
only in small pieces not wider than five inches,)
Zebra-wood, (probably the production of a large tree,
and beautifully shaded with white, red, and black
stripes,) Satin-wood, (a fine-grained wood of a bril-
liant yellow color, brought from India,) Sandal-wood,
(resembling tulip-wood, and possessed of a very fine
odor,) Camphor-wood, (the product of the Camphor-
tree,) Ebony, Iron-wood, Canary-wood, and many
others of less importance.

The wood of the Box-tree is also an article of con-
siderable importance in commerce ; it is remarkably
fine and close-grained, which makes it particularly
serviceable for the use of the engraver- and it is to
this tree that we owe the facility and cheapness with
which many books are illustrated.

88

THE OAK.

The variety to be observed in trees is not so great
as in other plants ; but in the same forest a considera-
ble number of kinds may be seen that are entirely
different, even of such as are commonly known by
the same name. Thus, what is termed Oak, often
consists of eight or ten varieties, such as Black-oak,

White-oak, Chestnut-oak, Pin-
oak, Willow-oak, Red-oak, Scar-
let-oak, Spanish-oak, Post-oak,
&c. &c. These all differ, not
only in the formation of their
leaves and fruit, but there is a
marked difference in their man-
ner of growth, and the wood
of each possesses its own pecu-
liar properties. Within the limits
of the United States, there are no
less than thirty or forty varieties of this useful tree;
some are quite small, growing only to the height of
two or three feet; but by far the largest number are
lofty trees, with wide-spreading branches. Let us
here stop and pick up an acorn which has fallen from
one of these, and examine its wonderful construction,
and compare its tiny proportions with the majestic
plant that bore it, and the counterpart of which it is
destined to produce. Encased within that bony co-
vering lie hid all the essential parts of the infant
tree, perfect and complete; roots, stem, leaves and
buds.

The germ of the future plant is placed at one end
of the acorn, and although of so delicate and fragile

White-Oak.

THE ACORN.

89

Black-Oak.

a texture, that a slight rub would

be sufficient to break it, yet so

nicely is it fitted to its shell, that

the nut may be handled very

roughly without inj uring it. This

germ consists of two parts, the

plume which rises and forms the

future stem, and the beak or

radicle which descends and forms

the root. How surprising is the

ascent of the one and the descent

of the other ! It is, in fact, the

effort of the one to get into the air, and of the other

to enter the earth. Were they to be placed in an

inverted position, the result would be the same ; each

would bend itself toward its proper element.

Clasping the germ are the
two lobes of the kernel, which
serve the important purpose of
sustaining the life of the plant
until it has become sufficiently
rooted to derive all its nourish-
ment from the soil.

When through the combined
influence of heat and moisture,
the germ cracks open the case
by which it is confined, it sends
down a strong radicle, called a
tap-root ; then the two lobes of the kernel separate,
and the plume springs out from between them. This
consists of two leaves, which soon expand and disclose
8*

Red-Oak.

90

CIRCULATION OP SAP.

at their base a bud from which in like manner addi-
tional leaves make their appearance. The functions
of the little plant are now as complete as they are in
the monster tree. The delicate stem is supplied with
its capillary tubes, which carry the nourishment from
the root; and distribute it throughout the different

parts of the plant. These vessels
perform, the same part to the
tree as the veins and arteries
to the human body. One set,
comparable to the veins, carry
the sap through the trunk and
branches to the leaves, where
it is spread out in the minute
reticulated net-work on their
upper surfaces, and like the
Post-Oak. blood in the lungs is there ex-

posed to the action of the light and air, absorbing
from the latter a portion of carbon, and at the same
time parting with its oxygen. This process purifies
the sap, and renders it fit for the nourishment of the
tree, when a new set of vessels, similar in their oflice
to the arteries, distribute it to the different parts
where it is required. This sap, thus purified, con-
tains all the requisites for the formation of the wood
and bark of the trunk and branches, and the cuticle
for the formation of the leaves.

The effect of light upon the sap is very great;
those plants which receive the largest amount of sun-
light have leaves of a deep green. Light is therefore
an essential element in promoting the healthy growth

ClilCULATION OF SAP.

91

of trees, as it will be observed that the absorption of
carbon, and the giving out of the oxygen becomes
less active as the light is diminished, while during
the night the contrary process occurs, the oxygen be-
ing absorbed, and the carbon released.

Thus it is by the assistance of
these vessels that the little oak-
plant becomes a perfect tree in
miniature, and continues to increase
in size and strength from year to
year, until the woodman levels with
his axe the sturdy trunk that has
defied the storms of a century. Let
us here examine the stump that re-
mains, and we will observe a num-
ber of concentric rings commencing
at the bark, and running around
the tree, one inside of the other, until they reach the
centre. (See figure of Exogenous Wood on a pre-
vious page.) Each ring indicates one year's growth,
a new layer of wood being depo-
sited every season immediately
under the bark. The age of
any tree may' be determined
with considerable accuracy by
counting these rings.

Some species of Oaks retain
their foliage during winter, as
the Live-oak. This tree in-
habits the Southern States,
where it occasionally grows to Spanish Oak

Chestnut-Oak.

92 THE OAK.

a considerable size. It is probably the most valuable
wood known for ship-building, on account of its great
durability. In South Carolina the Live-oaks are often
hung with the graceful festoons of a beautiful moss,
which dangles from their branches in pendent masses
of several yards in length.

The Cork-oak, a native of the South of Europe
and the northern coast of Africa, is also an evergreen,
and much resembles the Live-oak in appearance.
That useful substance, Cork, is the bark of this tree,
which grows to a considerable thickness; and, as
though designed by Providence for some peculiar
purpose, may be removed without injury to the tree,
a new coating being rapidly formed ; thus producing
a crop of cork about every ten years.

The Oaks of Palestine are
also mostly evergreen. One
species, closely resembling the
Holly in its appearance, and
called the Holly-leaved Oak,
is particularly abundant; the
scenery of the Holy Land be-
ing often varied with its beau-
Live-Oak. tiful form.

As the climate of Syria is too warm for the Oak
to flourish in the valleys, it is mostly confined to the
more elevated positions. Groups of low shrubby Oaks
are scattered all over the hills of Hebron ; and many
of the evergreen varieties are found in the forests
which cover the hills of Canaan. But the tall " Oaks
of Bashan," spoken of in Scripture, are more attractive

THE OAK. 93

on account of their great size and venerable appear-
ance, as well as their luxuriant foliage ; and many a
weary traveller may repose beneath their refreshing
shade upon the spot rendered memorable by the beau-
tiful similes of the Prophets Isaiah and Zechariah.
Isa. ii. 12, 13. Zech. xi. 2.

Of all the varieties of the
Oak, the black and the white
are with us the most abundant
and the most useful ; the wood
is extensively used in ship-
building, as well as for many
other purposes equally im-
portant, while the bark is not
only the principal substance wuiow-Oak.

used by the tanner in the preparation of leather, but
is also of great use in dyeing.

These Oaks often attain a great size, and live to a
very advanced age. The " Charter-Oak," so cele-
brated in the history of our country, was an old and
venerated tree in the Revolution. The " Flushing-
Oaks," the remains of which are still standing, yielded
an abundant shade, under which large congregations
were accustomed to assemble near two hundred years
ago to listen to the preaching of George Fox.

In England, where antiquity is more venerated
than in America, such relics of bygone ages, sentinels
that have watched over the destiny of many a
monarch, are regarded with deep interest. The ages
of some of these have been computed with considera-
ble certainty, by reference to data which have been

94 THE OAK.

preserved on record relating to them, and also by
means of some inscriptions which have been found
deeply imbedded in the solid wood, and over which
the growth of years has been deposited.

The following description of a few remarkable
trees in different parts of England, is taken from
London's Arboretum : —

"The Merton Oak stands on the estate of Lord
Walsingham. It is 66 feet high, and, at the surface
of the ground, the circumference of the trunk is 63
feet 2 inches. At one foot [from the ground], it is
46 feet 1 inch ; the trunk is 18 feet 6 inches to the
fork of the branches ; the largest limb is 18 feet, and
the second 16 feet in circumference."

" The Winfarthing Oak is 70 feet in circumfer-
ence ; the trunk is quite hollow, and the cavity large
enough to hold 30 persons. It is said to have been
called the " Old Oak," at the time of William the
Conqueror.* It is now a mere shell — a mighty
ruin, bleached to a snowy white ; but it is magnificent
in its decay. The only mark of vitality which it ex-
hibits, is on the south side, where a narrow strip of
bark sends forth a few branches, which even now
(1836) occasionally produce acorns."

" The Salcey Forest Oak is described as ' one of
the most picturesque sylvan ruins that can be met
with anywhere/ It is supposed to be above 1500
years old; and its trunk is so decayed as to form a
complete arch, which is 14 feet 8 inches high, and 29

* This tree is most probably 1 500 years old.

THE OAK.

95

feet in circumference inside. The tree is 83 feet 3
inches high, and 47 feet in circumference on the out-
side near the ground. This fine ruin is still standing,
and, though it has latterly become much wasted, it
annually produces a crop of leaves and acorns/'

The Chandos Oak.

;<The 'Chandos Oak' stands in the pleasure-
g, ^uncls of Michendon House, near Southgate, and
is about 60 feet high. The head covers a space, the
diameter of which measures 118 feet. The girth of
the trunk, at one foot from the ground, is 18 feet 3
inches. It has no large limbs; but, when in full
foliage, its boughs bending to the earth, with almost
artificial regularity of form, and equi-drstant from
each other, give it the appearance of a gigantic tent.
It forms, indeed, a magnificent living canopy, imper-
vious to the day."

"The 'Boddington Oak' grew in a piece of rich
grass-land, called the Old Orchard Ground, belonging

96 THE OAK.

to Boddington Manor Farm, in the vale of Gloucester.
The sides of the trunk were more upright than those
of large trees generally ; and at the surface of the
ground it measured 54 feet in circumference. In
1783, its trunk was formed into a room which was
wainscoted, and measured in one direction 16 feet
in diameter. The hollowness, however, contracts
upwards, and forms itself into a natural dome. It is
still perfectly alive and fruitful, having this yeai
(1783) a fine crop of acorns upon it. This tree was
burnt down, either by accident or design, in 1790."
" Of the Magdalen, or Great Oak of Oxford, Gilpin
gives the following interesting notice: — 'Close by
the gate of the water-walk of Magdalen College, Ox-
ford, grew an Oak, which, perhaps, stood there a
sapling when Alfred the Great founded the Univer-
sity. It is a difficult matter to ascertain the age of a
tree. The age of a castle or abbey is the object of his-
tory. But the time occupied in completing its growth
is not worth recording in the early part of a tree's
existence. It is then only a common tree ; and after-
wards, when it is become remarkable for age, all me-
mory of its youth is lost. This tree, however, can
almost produce historical evidence for the age it
boasts. About 500 years after the time of Alfred,
William of Waynfleet, Dr. Stuckely tells us, expressly
ordered his college [Magdalen College] to be founded
near the Great Oak ; and an oak could not, I think,
be less than 500 years of age to merit that title, to-
gether with the honor of fixing the site of a college.
When the magnificence of Cardinal Wolsey erected

THE OAK. 97

that handsome tower which is so ornamental to the
whole building, this tree might probably be in fhe
meridian of its glory ; or rather, perhaps, it had at-
tained a green old age. It was afterward much injured
in the reign of Charles II., when the present walks
were laid out. Its roots were disturbed; and from
that period it declined fast, and became reduced to a
mere trunk. Through a space of 16 yards on every
side from its trunk, it once flung its boughs, and
under its magnificent pavilion could have sheltered
with ease 3000 men. In the summer of 1788, this
magnificent ruin fell to the ground."

" The Cowthorpe Oak, in Yorkshire, measures at
its base 78 feet in circumference. The space occu-
pied by this tree, where the trunk meets the ground,
exceeds the ground-plot of that majestic column, the
Eddystone Light-house ; and horizontal slices of Da-
morey's Oak would have laid every floor in one piece
throughout the whole building."

The oak and the chestnut are very closely con-
nected, not only in their appearance, but also in their
general character. The leaves of the chestnut and
the chestnut-oak would be mistaken for each other
by one unaccustomed to the difference, those of the
chestnut being only a little more sharply toothed than
the other.

In California, a species of oak has been discovered,
whose mode of flowering, and indeed the whole ap-
pearance of the tree, is so similar to that of the chest-
nut, as to require the presence of the fruit fully to
determine its identity. The wood of each also bears
9 G

98 THE CHESTNUT.

some comparison, the color and grain being much the
same ; the oak is, -however, tougher and heavier,
while the chestnut, in consequence of the evenness
and regularity of the fibre, possesses the peculiar
property of being easily split into long straight pieces.
Hence its great utility to the farmer for fencing.

A close connection is also observable in many
of their habits. The chestnut delights in a high and
hilly soil, and grows freely in the same positions where
the chestnut-oak abounds. If a large tree of each be
cut down, strong scions will soon spring up in all
directions from the roots, forming bushy clumps,
which resemble each other so closely as to be readily
taken for the same tree.

The chestnut also lives to a great age, and in some
situations grows to an enormous size. The famous
chestnut tree, which grew upon Mount Etna, was pro-
bably one of the largest and oldest trees in the world.
In 1770, this tree is said to have measured 204 feet
in circumference; its trunk was quite hollow, and a
house had been built in the interior, which was in-
habited by some country people. The age of this tree
of course cannot be estimated with any certainty.

The old chestnut tree at Tortworth, in England,
was probably planted by the Romans, as the tree is
not a native of that country. It was evidently old at
the time of the Norman Conquest, as history speaks
of it as a famous tree in the time of King John. It
measured 57 feet in circumference.

The Beech, in some respects, resembles both the
Oak and the Chestnut, and was originally classed with

THEBEECH. 99

the latter by Linnaeus, the great Swedish Naturalist.
The wood, however, differs much from the others in
being very close and "fine-grained. The fruit is en-
closed in a scaly burr, somewhat resembling the cup
of an acorn, which, when matured, opens into four
sections, and allows the triangular nuts to escape. In
France and Germany, an excellent oil is obtained
from the kernels, which is said to be superior to that
produced by the Olive.

The beech is rarely found living to any great age,
although occasional specimens are met with which
are evidently of great antiquity. A Beech which
stood some years since in Windsor Forest, England,
is said to have existed prior to the Norman Conquest,
which would indicate that it had known the changes
of at least 800 years. At the time of the last mea-
surement, it was about 36 feet in circumference at
the base.

In America the beech is a beautiful tree, with
dense and finely-cut foliage, forming a thick and im-
penetrable shade. It sometimes attains a height of
100 feet, with a trunk measuring 8 or 10 feet in cir-
cumference.

In connection with the Chestnut and Beech must
be mentioned the Walnut and Hickory; trees of great
beauty and interest, as well as utility. Of each, there
are several varieties. Of the Walnut, the Black is
probably the most useful by far, it being used very
extensively in this its native country, as well as in
Europe, for the manufacture of cabinet-ware. The
wood, which is of a fine dark color, and beauti-

100 THE HICKORY.

fully veined and mottled, is susceptible of a very "high
polish. Some of our most beautiful articles of fur-
niture are made from this wood, and it may be justly
ranked among the most useful of our sylvan produc-
tions. The black walnut occasionally, though seldom,
attains a great size. The trunk of one grown on the
south side of Lake Erie, was some years since ex-
hibited in London, which was 12 feet in diameter,
and was hollowed out and furnished as a sitting-room.
The tree was said to have been 150 feet in height, with
branches from 2 to 4 feet in diameter, and the bark
1 foot in thickness.

The Hickory, though nearly allied to the Walnut,
possesses properties peculiarly its own ; its wood is
light-colored, tough, and elastic, which renders it
very serviceable to the carriage and wagon builder;
and the air of comfort which always surrounds the
hearth where the crackling of a good hickory fire is
heard, fully attests its usefulness as fuel.

The Hickory, particularly the variety known as the
Shellbark, is a noble and majestic tree, rising to the
height of 70 or 80 feet, with a trunk sometimes 5
feet in thickness at the base, and varying but little
from the straight line almost to its summit, and fre-
quently without a branch below the height of 40 feet.
The gathering of the nuts of the walnut and hickory
affords considerable merriment to the younger part
of the farmer's family, while many a city fire-side,
cheered by the social gathering, has found a rich
treat in the fruits of these noble trees.

THE WILLOW.

101

CHAPTER VIII

THE WILLOW — NUMBER OF VARIETIES NAPOLEON'S WILLOW

CURLED WILLOW ELM — BIRCH — POPLAR ASPEN

LOMBARDY POPLAR TULIP TREE THB TEW FLOWER-
ING TREES — THE MAGNOLIA.

Y the rivers of Babylon there
we sat down; yea, we wept
when we remembered Zion.
We hanged our harps upon
the willows in the midst there-
of." Ps. cxxxvii. 1, 2.
This beautiful and poetic allusion,
undoubtedly refers to the Weeping
Willow, which was formerly very abun-
dant in the environs of Babylon, whence
arises its botanical name, Salix Babylonica. The
word Salix is derived from the Celtic, and means
near water, referring to the general habit of all the
willows of frequenting watery places. They often
give a very picturesque appearance to the landscape,
as they spread their branches, covered with the most
beautiful foliage, over the smooth surface of the
water, or gracefully dip their long slender boughs
into the stream.

But we may imagine that, however beautiful was
the effect thus produced, it must have possessed but
9*

102 THE WEEPING WILLOW.

few charms for the captives of Judea, as they sat
mournfully brooding over their sorrows, with harps
unstrung, and weeping at the remembrance of Zion's
surpassing loveliness.

Many of the common varieties of willow are per-
haps known to most of our readers. But there are
few who are aware of the great difference that really
exists between many that appear to be the same.
There are probably no less than forty or fifty distinct
varieties to be found in the United States, and
more than double that number in other parts of the
world.

In the Arctic regions there is a species which is
no more than a few inches in height j and in latitudes
nearly approaching the pole, it is almost the only
woody plant to be found. The Weeping Willow
grows in China, Japan, Syria, and the northern parts
of Africa, which appear to Be its native localities;
but it may also be seen in most of the countries of
the temperate zone.

In the island of St. Helena there once stood a tree
of this kind, which was known as Napoleon's Willow.
It was planted by the Governor of the island about
the year 1810, and grew among the other trees on
the side of a valley, near to a spring. Having at-
tained a considerable size, it attracted the attention
of Napoleon, who had a seat placed under it, and
used frequently to resort to its shade, and have water
brought to him from the adjoining fountain. About
the time of the death of the Emperor, it is said that
a storm shattered the tree in pieces. Many cuttings

THE CURLED WILLOW. 103

were taken from it; and trees propagated from this
original may now be found in various parts of the
world. By many, this tree was supposed to have
been of the variety known as the Curled Willow : but

«/ /

this appears to be an error.

The Curled Willow, whose leaves are curled into
rings, or twisted up like corkscrews, is nothing more
than a curious variety of the Weeping Willow ; it is
of rather a dwarf habit, and the crisp and parched
appearance of the leaves destroys much of the beau-
tiful effect of the drooping of the branches

Scarcely anything, it may be said, enters so deeply
into the beauty of a landscape as the great variety
noticeable in the outline presented by different trees,
as well as the multiplicity of the shape, size and color
of the foliage. The tall spire of the Lombardy Poplar,
with its small, opaque leaves, peers far above the
rounded tops of the Maples and Lindens; and the
sharp-pointed cone of the Cypress forms a fine con-
trast with the irregular outline of the Tulip Tree ;
while on the deep, dark back-ground, formed by the
large and heavy leaves of the Oak and Hickory,
stands out in pleasing prominence the fine, light, and
silvery foliage of the Willow.

The Elm also assumes a very prominent position
in the American Landscape ; and the eye cannot fail
to rest with pleasure upon its beautiful outline. It
is in the northern and eastern States that it attains
the greatest perfection. The trunk rises to the height
of 60 or 70 feet, insensibly diminishing in thickness
from the base, until it is lost in the minute ramifica-

104 THE ELM.

tions of the topmost boughs, which are widely diver-
gent, and shoot out on all sides in long, flexible, and
pendulous branches, bending into regular arches, and
floating lightly in the air. In isolated positions the
Elin occasionally grows to the height of 100 feet;
the trunk is then sometimes clothed to near its base
with its beautiful verdure, which seems to wreathe
about it like some parasitical vine or creeper.

In Europe, the Elm lives to an advanced age, and
often attains a prodigious size. The Crawley Elm,
situated on the road from London to Brighton, is 71
feet high, and the trunk measures at the ground 61
feet in circumference.

At Hampstead, a Hollow Elm formerly stood, the
trunk of which measured at the base about 30 feet,
and at the height of 42 feet appears to have been
broken off. It is entirely hollow from the top to the
bottom, in which a staircase had been built, leading
to the summit, which was turreted, and provided with
seats for six persons. It appeared to be in a thriving
condition, and covered with the most luxuriant foliage,
which spread to a considerable distance on every side.

The Birch and the Poplar must also be reckoned
among the beautiful trees of our forests. The Paper,
or Canoe Birch, and the Yellow Birch, both in-
habitants of the Northern and Eastern States and
Nova Scotia, are lofty trees, with their trunks mea-
suring from 3 to 18 feet in circumference. The
former is remarkable for the beautiful texture of the
bark, which is capable of being split into thin plates
or layers, which have a fine smpoth surface, and

THE ASPEN. 105

when carefully prepared, may be used as a substitute
for paper. The thicker plates are made into car.oes
by the Indians, which are particularly light and
buoyant, and entirely impervious to water. One of
these, constructed to accommodate four persons with
their baggage, it is said, will weigh only 40 or 50
pounds. Their lightness renders them peculiarly
serviceable in navigating rivers where the stream is
often interrupted by rocky rapids or cascades, as they
may be readily carried around them by land, and
again launched in the water below.

In the settlements of the Hud-
son's Bay Company, we are told
this tree sometimes measures 18
or 20 feet in circumference at
the base; the bark is used in
building tents, it being cut in
pieces 12 feet long, and 4 feet
wide; these are sewed together
with the long pliable roots of the
Spruce, and so rapidly is the
work done, that, a tent of 20 feet in diameter, and 10
feet high, does not, it is said, occupy more than half
an hour in pitching.

No small quantity of Birch-wood was used by the
School-masters of the Olden-time, as a means of in-
stilling sound views and correct principles into the
minds of their pupils ; but thanks to the progress of
civilization, that practice is almost obsolete, and the
once-dreaded birch is again consigned to those uses
for which it was originally created.

106 THE POPLAR.

Among the varieties of our native Poplars, perhaps
the most beautiful and the most familiar is the Aspen.
The leaves of this tree are hung on long and slender
petioles, which are flattened at the base, and attached
to the stem in such a manner, as to cause them to
rock backward and forward, with the least motion
of the air. When scarcely the slightest breeze is
stirring, and every other tree seems lulled into com-
plete repose, the foliage of the Aspen may often be
seen quivering as though shaken by force..

The Lombardy Poplar, once so abundant about our
farm and country houses, and which shoots above its
surroundings, like some tall church-spire, was ori-
ginally brought from Italy, where it abounds on the
banks of the river Po. Its cultivation is now be-
coming much neglected, partly in consequence of the
climate or soil not being adapted to its growth, as
its beautiful and pleasing outlines are often marred
in a single season by parts of the tree being killed,
either by the severe cold or other causes. It is much
to be regretted that this is the case, as it certainly
forms a very conspicuous object, and occupies a posi-
tion in our rural scenery which no other tree can

supply.

In Europe, it attains to a great size and beauty,
often measuring over 100 feet in height, and 3 to 5
feet in diameter at the base.

The tree, commonly known as the Tulip Poplar,
belongs to a very different genera, and is altogether
misnamed, as it bears no resemblance whatever to
the Poplars. It is, however, one of the most useful,

THE TULIP TREE.

107

as well as the most beautiful, of our forest trees.
The wood is commonly called poplar-wood, and being
soft and easily worked, is extensively used in the
manufacture of Cabinet-ware. This tree is very con-
spicuous in the early summer months on account of
the abundance of its large showy flowers, each being
the size, and having much the appearance of the
tulip. But its appearance is too familiar to need
much further description.

A noble specimen of this tree,
which recently stood upon the
farm of Friends' Boarding-school
at West-town, measured at the
base about 37 feet in circum-
ference, and was about 100 feet
in height. It was hollow in the
centre, with an opening on one
side like a tent-door. Respect-
ing its age and history, one of
the Principals in the Seminary writes: — "We have
no data from which to determine its age, but judg-
ing from analogy, it must have been in existence
long before William Penn founded the colony. The
importance with which this tree was regarded was no
doubt mainly due to a tradition that it was once oc-
cupied as a dwelling by a family of Indians. The
tradition most likely had its origin in the circum-
stance of numerous relics having been found in the
immediate vicinity of the tree, indicating the exist-
ence, at some period, of an Indian encampment Tt
had become so much an object of interest to the

Tulip Tree.

108 THE YEW.

children, that one of the first excursions which they
desired to make after coming to the school was a visit
to the 'Indian Tree.'"

This tree, which must have heen at least 300 years
of age, was destroyed in 1845. Some of the pupils,
either ignorant of the consequences, or with a mis-
chievous craving for fun, kindled a fire in the cavity,
which soon shrouded its noble form in flames. The
news of this catastrophe was received by the scholars
with a general outburst of indignation.

One of the most beautiful and interesting trees
which decorates the English landscape, is the Yew.
Its tall and majestic figure, as well as its dense and
fine foliage, render it an attractive object; while the
advanced age to which many have been known to at-
tain, would naturally excite in the beholder a feeling
of peculiar interest.

The Elm and the Yew are the favorite trees in the
Church-yard, and there appears to be considerable
appropriateness in the selection ; the former, with its
long pendulous and weeping boughs, harmonizes with
the mournful surroundings of the tomb, while the
latter, with its perennial verdure, its longevity, and
the extraordinary durability of its wood, is emblema-
tic of that unfading existence which awaits the spirits
of the redeemed.

Gray, in his beautiful elegy, assigns to these a very
prominent place.

" Beneath those rugged elms, that yew-tree's shade,

Where heaves the turf in many a mould'ring heap,
Each in his narrow cell for ever laid,

The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep."

THE YEW.

109

Perhaps the oldest tree of this kind on record is
the " Fontingall Yew/' which stood in a church-yard
in Scotland. Its age is unknown, but it is asserted
that there is strong probability of its having been a
flourishing tree at the commencement of the Christian
era. About the year 1790, it measured 56 feet 6
inches in circumference at the base of the trunk. It
has since become very much decayed, and, in 1833,
the entire central part had fallen away, leaving it
with apparently two trunks which form a sort of arch,
" through which the funeral processions of the High-
landers would sometimes pass."*

The famous Yews of Fountain
Abbey in Yorkshire are well known.
"The abbey was founded in 1132,
in the midst of a rough piece of
wood-land, in which grew seven large
Yew-trees. In 1658, these trees
were said to be of extraordinary size,
the trunk of one of them being 26
feet 6 inches in circumference. At

that time but six were standing, the

The Yew.

largest having been blown down, and
they grew so closely together as to form with their
boughs a cover almost equal to a thatched roof.
Under this shelter tradition tells us the monks re-
sided until they had built the monastery."*

" The Ankerwyke Yew, near Stains, is supposed
to be upwards of 1000 years old. Henry VIII. is

10

* London's Arboretusa.

110 THE BUCKEYE.

said to have made it his place of meeting with Annie
Boleyn, while she was living at Staines ; and Magna
Charta was signed within sight of it, on the island in
the Thames between Runnymede and Ankerwyke.
The girth of this tree, at 3 feet from the ground, is
27 feet 8 inches.

In the eastern part of the United States, the Yew
is barely more than a small bush, seldom above a few
feet high ; while in the west it becomes a fine large
tree of some 40 to 60 feet in height, and about 2 or 3
feet in diameter. It is here one of the most conspi-
cuous trees of the forest. The Indians of Oregon
use the wood of this tree for making bows, it being
very tough, heavy, and elastic.

Many of the trees of our American forests at some
seasons of the year are laden with the most beautiful
blossoms, which are often very conspicuous, and some-
times diffusing a rich fragrance around them. The
appearance of an apple or peach-orchard in the spring
.is an object so familiar, that its beauty is not appre-
ciated by many.

The Buckeye, a species of Horse Chestnut which
grows in Ohio, whose early blossoms are the resort
of the Humming-birds upon their arrival from the
South; the Catalpa, a familiar ornament around our
farm-houses; the Kentucky Coffee, a native of the
Western States ; and the Pride of India, one of the
most lovely objects that adorns the gardens of the
South, are all showy and ornamental trees.

The Locust also is a very valuable addition to the
list of our botanical friends ; and its long bunches of

THE MAGNOLIA. Ill

fragrant flowers, which hang so thickly from among
its fine cut foliage, will always entitle it to our admi-
ration.

But perhaps we may consider the Magnolia as
standing at the head of the list of flowering trees,
for the elegance as well as the great size of its blossoms.
One species called the Umbrella Tree, produces flowers
in considerable abundance, each measuring about 18
inches in diameter when fully expanded ; they are
pure white, and possessed of a very fine odor. An-
other species, which grows in the Southern States,
forms a handsome tree of about 30 or 40 feet in
height, and in the early summer months is loaded
with its large white blossoms, which are about 5
inches in diameter. The fragrance of these flowers
is such as to be quite perceptible at some distance.
This tree remains green during the winter, and only
drops its leaves as a new set are produced to replace
them.

112 CONE-BEARING TREES,

CHAPTER IX.

CONE - BEARING TREES — THEIR PECULIARITIES — GIGANTIC
TREES OF CALIFORNIA — LOCALITIES MOST FAVORABLE TO

THE GROWTH OF EVERGREENS WHITE PINE YELLOW

PINE LONG-LEAVED PINE — BLACK, WHITE, AND HEMLOCK

SPRUCE — SILVER FIR — LARCH — CYPRESS — DURABILITY
OF CYPRESS WOOD — THE CEDAR OF LEBANON.

have spoken in a previous chap-
ter of the effect produced upon a
landscape by the variety observ-
able in the different trees, both
as to their outline and the cha-
racter of their foliage. We will
now notice a few of a class which perhaps,
above all we have mentioned, exert a great
influence in beautifying the face of the earth.
They form by themselves a separate group
or family known to botanists as the Conifera, or Cone-
bearing trees, and their peculiar appearance will
at once distinguish them from others. They are
mostly evergreens, and their foliage consists of long,
narrow cylindrical leaflets, thickly scattered around
the stem, as in the various species of Pine, or of
short, flat, and prickly appendages, arranged in a
double row, one on each side of the stem, as may be

tJIGANTIC TREES OF CALIFORNIA. 113

seen in the Fir and Hemlock ; or sometimes they are
placed in tufts at intervals of one or two inches apart,
as in the Larch, &c. Often 2, 3, 4, or 5 of these leaves
are clustered together in a bunch, and wrapped around
at the base with a sheath. With the fruit of these
trees most persons are familiar. Some of the cones
are particularly beautiful, especially those of the
Cedar of Lebanon and the Norway Fir.

There are perhaps few trees which attain to more
gigantic proportions than some of the varieties be-
longing; to this class. The measurements of some

o o

recently discovered in California would be considered
almost fabulous, were not the accounts substantiated
by the most undoubted evidence.

A specimen of the Gigantic Wellingtonia, which
was recently felled, measured about 300 feet in length,
and 60 feet in circumference near the base ; and the
following extract of a letter, received from Dr. Wins-
low of California, gives dimensions still more extra-
ordinary. " There are more than a hundred of these
trees which may be considered as having reached the
extreme limits of growth which the species can at-
tain. One of our countrymen measured one, of which
the trunk immediately above the root was 94 feet in
circumference. Another which had fallen from old
age, or had been uprooted by a tempest, was lying
near it, of which the length from the roots to the top
of the branches was 450 feet. A great portion of
this monster still exists, and, according to Dr. Lap-
bum, the proprietor of the locality, at 350 feet from
the roots the trunk measured 10 feet in diameter.
10* H

114 GIGANTIC TREES OP CALIFORNIA,

Wellingtonia.

By its fall, this tree has overthrown another not less
colossal, since, at the origin of the roots, it is 40 feet
in diameter. This, which appears to me one of the
greatest wonders of the forest, and compared with
which man is but an imperceptible pigmy, has been
hollowed by fire throughout a considerable portion
of its length, so as to form an immense wooden tube
of a single piece. Its size may be imagined when it
is known that one of my companions, two years ago,

GIGANTIC TREES OP CALIFORNIA. 115

rode on horseback in the interior of this tree for a
distance of 200 feet, without any inconvenience. My
companions and myself have frequently entered this
tunnel, and progressed some 60 paces, but have been
arrested before reaching the end by means of wood
which had fallen from the ceiling. Near these over-
thrown giants others still are standing not inferior to
them in size, and of which the height astonishes the
beholder."

In reading of a tree 450 feet high, and 30 feet in
diameter, we are struck with large figures, but we
must have some familiar object with which to com-
pare it before we can fully realize the magnitude of
such an object. If the tree above described was
placed in the chasm of the Niagara river at the
Suspension Bridge, it would stand 200 feet above
the top of the bridge. By the side of Trinity Steeple
in Broadway, New York, it would overtop it by 160
feet. It would be 230 feet higher than Bunker Hill
Monument, and 270 feet above the Washington Monu-
ment in Baltimore. If cut up for fuel, it would make
at least 2500 cords, or as much as would be yielded
by 60 acres of good woodland. If sawed into inch
boards, it would yield about 2,500,000 feet, and fur-
nish sufficient 3-inch plank for 25 miles of Plank-
road. This is quite enough for the product of one
little seed less in size than a grain of wheat.

By counting the annual rings, it appears that some
of the oldest specimens have attained the age of 3000
years. If this computation be correct, and there is
probably no good reason to doubt it, they must cer-

116 GIGANTIC PINE — -WHITE PINE.

tainly have existed in the days of the Prophet Elijah,
or even as Dr. Lindley observes of the tree first de-
scribed, "It must have been a little plant when
Samson was slaying his Philistines."

On the Pacific coast there is
found a species of Pine, very
similar in its appearance to our
common White Pine, which
grows to the height of 200 feet.
The trunk of a specimen which
had been overturned by the
winds measured 215 feet in
length, and 57 feet in circum-
ference at 3 feet from the base,
and at 134 feet from the ground
was about 6 feet in diameter.
Gigantic Pine. These are straight and beauti-

fully tapering, and sometimes 170 feet without a
branch. The cones measure about 16 inches in length.

One of the most pleasing
characteristics of the Coni-
fera is their evergreen fo-
liage. When dark winter
spreads a sombre veil over
the landscape, how charm-
ing and enlivening is the ef-
fect produced by a few Pines
and Firs ! In cold climates,
where the winters are long,
and the ground is covered

White Pine, leaves arranged mogt] y ^ (Snow.driftS;

THE YELLOW PINE.

117

general dreariness of the aspect is relieved by the
abundance of the evergreens. This appears to be a
special provision of Providence to give additional
comfort to the inhabitants, as it is observed that these
trees delight in cold and elevated positions.

In the mountainous districts of the Northern and
Eastern States; upon the Alleghanies, the Rocky
Mountains, the Sierra Nevada of California, and the
Table Lands of Mexico; on the lofty Himalaya
Mountains, the snow-crowned hills of Norway, and
on the far-famed heights of Mount Lebanon, may be
seen in the greatest perfection some of their most
beautiful and wonderful forms.

Of those which are most
familiar to us as natives of
our own land, are the White,
Yellow, and Long - leaved
Pines ; the White, Black, and
Hemlock Spruce; the Silver
Fir, the Larch, and the Cy-
press; (the two latter are not
evergreen). Besides which,
there are many others of less
value and importance. Upon
the White and Yellow Pine
we are dependent for a large amount of the lumber
used in building both our houses and ships. The
Hemlock also is a valuable tree to the ship-builder,
as its trunk is remarkably straight, and gradually
tapering toward the summit, which makes it particu-
larly serviceable for masts and spars.

Yellow Pine, leaves
arranged in twos.

118

SILVER FIR — LARCH.

Silver Fir.

From the Yellow and Long-leaved
Pines we have our supply of turpen-
tine ; and from the Silver Fir is ob-
tained a very useful resinous sub-
stance, known as Balm of Gilead,
or Canada Balsam.

The Larch and the Cypress, al-
though cone-bearing trees, differ from
the rest in being what are called
" deciduous," which means that they
lose their foliage every year.
In the summer season, the Larch is one of the
most beautiful trees that graces the forests of the
Northern and Eastern States. Its tall
straight shaft, sometimes 100 feet high,
and 3 feet in diameter at the base, with its
minute foliage, which is densely arranged
upon its long and slender branches, toge-
ther with the perfect symmetry of outline
which it often assumes, render it an at-
tractive object. It is a comparatively rare
tree, and is not known to exist much south
of the latitude of Philadelphia, except
where it has been planted as an ornament.
In the warmer parts of the United States, the
place of the Larch is supplied by the Cypress. In
South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana, this
tree grows in immense quantities in the low swampy
grounds contiguous to the large rivers. These " Cy-
press Swamps," as they are called, often occupy thou-

Larch.

THE CYPRESS. 119

sands of acres. In this rich alluvial soil, upon which
a new layer of vegetable mould is every year depo-
sited by the floods, the Cypress attains its utmost
development; the largest being about 120 feet high,
and 30 to 40 feet in circumference.

The European Cypress is an evergreen : its foliage
bears a close resemblance to our common Red Cedar.
It grows in various parts of the country adjacent to
the Mediterranean Sea. It is most abundant on the
islands of Crete and Cyprus, from the latter of which
it derives its name. It is also spoken of in Ecclesi-
asticus as growing on Mount Sion. The Gopher
Wood of which Noah built the ark is supposed to
be identical with the Cypress. The great durability
of the wood rendered it peculiarly serviceable to the
ancients. Pliny, the Roman historian, says that the
statue of Jupiter, in the Capitol at Rome, which
was of Cypress, had existed above 600 years without
exhibiting any signs of decay. Plato, a heathen
philosopher, had his laws engraven on Cypress-wood
as being more durable than brass. Leon Alberti, a
celebrated Florentine architect of the fifteenth cen-
tury, tells us that he found the wood of a vessel
which had been submerged 1300 years, and which
was perfectly sound, to be principally of Cypress.
The Cypress doors of St. Peter's Cathedral at Rome,
which were removed by Eugene IV., after having
stood the usage of over 1100 years, were entirely
sound ; and it was the custom in the middle ages to
bury the Popes in coffins of Cypress, under the belief
that they would never decay.

120 THE CEDAR OF LEBANON.

The Cypress is often a long-lived tree, although it
will sometimes attain a great size in a comparatively
short time. A tree of the American variety, planted
by John Bartrarn, in his botanic garden near Phila-
delphia, some 100 years since, now (1859) measures
about 9 feet in diameter, and over 100 feet in height.
An old and venerated tree of the European species
was some years since standing near Somma, in Lom-
bardy, which was supposed to have been planted the
yp.ar of the birth of our Saviour, although it is said
that a record exists at Milan which proves that it
was a tree in the time of Julius Caesar, B. C. 42.
So great was the respect shown for this tree, that
Napoleon Bonaparte, when laying down the plan for
his great road over the Simplon, diverged from the
straight line to avoid injuring it.

In the Scriptures we find frequent allusions made
to the Pine, the Fir, the Cypress, and the Cedar, all
of which appear to be natives of Syria. In Isaiah
xli. 19, the Pine, the Fir, and the Cedar are spoken
of; and again in Ix. 13, "The glory of Lebanon
shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and
the box together, to beautify the place of my sanc-
tuary." But of all the trees of this class, the Cedar
of Lebanon seems to have been regarded by the
Sacred writers as a tree of uncommon beauty, and
was therefore frequently used in the figurative lan-
guage of the times to convey the idea of majesty and
power.

In Ezekiel, chap, xxxi., we have the following
remarkable expressions : " Behold the Assyrian waa

THE CEDAR OF LEBANON.

121

Oedar of Lebanon.

a Cedar in Lebanon, with fair branches and with a
shadowing shroud, and of an high stature, and his
top was among the thick boughs : his height was
exalted above all the
trees of the field, and his
boughs were multiplied
and his branches became
long, because of the mul-
titude of waters when he
shot forth. The Cedars
in the garden of God
could not hide him : the
Fir trees were not like
his boughs, and the
Chestnut trees were not like his branches ; nor any
tree in the garden of God was like unto him in
his beauty." In this beautiful description, two of
the principal characteristics of the Cedar of Lebanon
are marked ; viz., the length and number of its
branches, and the wide expanse and density of its
shade. Few trees spread themselves so thickly upon
every side. This is in consequence of the horizontal
growth of the branches, which shoot out in great
numbers from the parent stem, forming a deep and
quite impenetrable shade. These branches sometimes
droop so as almost to reach the ground.

It is supposed that some of the trees still standing
on Mount Lebanon are the remains of the forests
from which Solomon obtained the wood for the
building of the Temple. These are protected with
great care, and are accounted sacred by the inhabi-
11

122 THE CEDAR OF LEBANON.

tants. But they are gradually diminishing in num-
bers, and almost every few years witnesses the
removal of one or more of these interesting relics,
which yield to decay that strength which has defied
the blasts of ages.

Of those whose appearance warrants the belief
that they are the very Cedars under whose shade the
Patriarchs of old have rested, in 1550 there remained
about 28, in 1745 there were but 15. Twelve were
recently counted by a traveller (Lord Lindsay), who,
speaking of them, remarks, that he and his com-
panions halted under one of the largest of them,
inscribed on one side with the name of Lamartine.
The grove was composed of trees of various ages
growing together ; " One of them," he says, " by no
means the largest, measured 19 \ feet in circumfer-
ence, and in repeated instances, two, three, or four
large trunks spring from a single root. Of the giants
there are several standing very near each other, all
on the same hill; three more a little further on,
nearly in a line with them • and in a second walk of
discovery, I had the pleasure of detecting two others,
low down on the northern edge of the grove. Lamar-
tine's tree is 49 feet in circumference; and the
largest of my two on the southern slope is 63 feet,
following the irregularities of the bark."

This Cedar grows not only on the mountains of
Lebanon, but also on Mounts Amanus and Taurus,
in Asia Minor, in some parts of Africa, and on the
islands of Cyprus and Crete. It loves cold and

THE CEDAR OF LEBANON. 123

mountainous places, and on Mount Lebanon it grows
freely among the snow.

With some of the inhabitants of the East the wood
of this tree has the reputation of never decaying,
and it certainly must be possessed of great durability,
or it would not have been selected by Solomon for
the many purposes in which he used it, where that
property seemed requisite. It is described as soft
and fine-grained, and sometimes beautifully marked
with waving lines. It has an agreeable smell, and
indeed everything about the trees has a strong bal-
samic odor, giving a delightful fragrance to the air
in their vicinity. This is most probably the smell of
Lebanon spoken of in Cant. iv. 11, and Hosea xiv. 6.

Cone of Cedar of Lebanon.

124

THE PALM TREE.

CHAPTER X.

THE PALM TREE.

MANNER OP GROWTH LEAVES — FRUIT — THE USES OF THE

PALM — COCOANUT TREE — DATE TREE — SAGO PALM — CANES
FOR CHAIR BOTTOMS — DRAGON'S BLOOD — THE FIXTURES OF
AN INDIAN COTTAGE — LOCALITIES OF THE PALM — THE PAL-
METTO— NUMBER OF SPECIES OF PALMS — GENERAL CHARAC-
TERISTICS— THE PALM TREE OF THE BIBLE.

HE interest which we take in the
study of Nature will be found to
be much increased, by the com-
parison of the productions of one
quarter of the globe with those
of another. As in smaller plants,
so also in trees, each clime is adorned with a
growth peculiarly its own. Those trees we have
already described are such as are most fami-
liar. To these, some of the productions of
the tropical forests will form a striking contrast,
among which is the Palm, whose lofty summit rears
itself far above its surroundings, presenting the
appearance, as Humboldt observes, of one forest above
another. We can form, but little idea of the beauty
of this stately tree, or of the multiplicity of forms

THE PALM TREE.

125

which it assumes, while they all partake of the same
general outline and character.

It will be remember-
ed that in speaking of
the growth of trees, we
mentioned that the fresh
deposits of wood are
made on the external
surface of the trunk, im-
mediately under the
bark. This is the case
with all the trees, with a Endogenous Wood,

few exceptions, found in the Temperate Zone, and
they belong to the Exogenous plants. But the Palm
may be regarded as the type of the third natural order,
called Endogenous, which has been heretofore de-
scribed; and by reference to the adjoining cut, the
peculiar arrangement of the particles of the wood
may be contrasted with that of the exogenous tree.
In the exogenous, the centre or heart-wood is the
hardest ; the new growth is more spongy, while the
bark is quite soft. In the endogenous, the exterior
is hard and tough, and the interior is soft, and often
pithy.

The Palms are lofty and erect trees, with slender,
cylindrical stems, simple or rarely forked, and are
marked more or less distinctly with knots or rings,
which show the position of leaves which have de-
cayed and fallen, and also indicate the progress of
their growth. The leaves, which are large, often
11*

126

THE PALM TREE.

Tupati Palm — Leaves fifty feet in length.

gigantic, sometimes measuring 50 feet long and 8
wide, are of various shapes ; the largest are pinnate,
or divided like a fern into long narrow leaflets ; others
are entire, and measure 30 feet long, and 4 to 5 wide.
The pinnate leaves often assume the form of an im-
mense fan, which, from their size and apparent light-
ness, are objects of great beauty.

The leaves appear in huge bunches or tufts at the
summit of the tree, and are seated on long petioles

THE PALM TREE. 127

or footstalks, and a constant succession is produced
from the centre of this tuft, to supply the place of
the lower ones, as they decay and fall off.

The flowers, which singly are small and inconspi-
cuous, generally appear in such dense clusters as to
render them peculiarly striking, especially when
newly opened, as they often emit a very powerful
odor.

The Palm trees are as essential to the comfort of
the inhabitants of the countries in which they grow,

as our most useful trees are to us. To the Wander-

-

ing Arab they afford both food and shelter ; and, as
he sits beneath its refreshing shade, and listens to
the tales of luxury and ease enjoyed by the nations
of the civilized world, when he is told that they have
no Date trees, he turns with a contented heart to the
barren sands of his own dear desert, probably won-
dering how they endure the privation.

Perhaps we cannot better illustrate our subject
than by quoting a few pages from an interesting
work entitled, " The Palm Trees of the Amazon, and
their Uses," by Alfred Russel "Wallace, who, while
on a recent tour of discovery to the tropical parts of
South America, was so struck with the beauty and
grandeur of these noble trees, that he was induced
to make many close and interesting observations on
their habits and uses.

" The materials for this work were collected during
my travels on the Amazon and its tributaries, from
1848 to 1852. Though principally occupied with
the varied and interesting animal productions of the

128

THE PALM TREE.

country, I yet found time to examine and admire the
wonders of vegetable life which everywhere abounded.
Huge trees with buttressed stems, tangled climbers
of fantastic forms, and strange parasitical plants
everywhere meet the admiring gaze of the naturalist
fresh from the meadows and heaths of Europe.
Everywhere, too, rise the graceful Palms, true
denizens of the tropics, of which they are the most
striking and characteristic feature. In the districts

which I visited they
were abundant, and
I soon became inte-
rested in them.

"The purposes to
which the different
parts of Palms are
applied are very va-
rious, the fruit, the
leaves, and the stem,
all having many uses
in the different
species. Some of
them produce valua-
ble articles of export
to our own and other
countries; but they
are of far more value
to the natives of the

districts where they grow, in many cases furnishing
the most important necessaries for existence.

" The Cocoa-nut is known to us only as an agree-

The Cocoa-nut Palm.

THE PALM TREE. 129

able fruit, and its fibrous husks supply us with mat-
ting, coir ropes, and stuffing for mattresses; but in
its native country it serves a hundred purposes ; food,
and drink, and oil are obtained from its fruit; hats
and baskets are made of its fibre, huts are covered
with its leaves, and its leaf-stalks are applied to a
variety of uses. To us the Date is but an agreeable
fruit, but to the Arab it is the very staff of life ; men
and camels almost live upon it, and on the abundance
of the date harvest depends the wealth and almost
the existence of many desert tribes. It is truly in-
digenous to those inhospitable wastes of burning
sands, which without it would be uninhabitable by
man.

" A Palm tree of Africa, gives us oil and candles.
It inhabits those parts of the country where the
slave-trade is carried on, and it is thought by persons
best acquainted with the subject, that the extension
of the trade in palm oil will be the most effectual
check to that inhuman traffic ; so that a Palm tree
may be the means of spreading the blessings of
civilization and humanity among the persecuted negro
race.

11 Sago is another product of a Palm, which is of
comparatively little importance to us, but in the East
supplies the daily food of thousands. In many parts
of the Indian Archipelago, it forms almost the entire
subsistence of the people, taking the place of rice in
Asia, corn in Europe, and maize and mandioca in
America, and is worthy to be classed with these the
most precious gifts of Nature to mankind. Unlike

I

130 THE PALM TREE.

them, however, it is neither seed nor root, but is the
wood itself, the pithy centre of the stem, requiring
scarcely any preparation to fit it for food ; and it is
so abundant that a single tree often yields six hun-
dred pounds weight.

"The canes used for chair-bottoms and various
other purposes, are the stems of a species of calamus,
slender palms which abound in the East Indian
jungles, climbing over other trees and bushes by the
help of the long-hooked spines with which their
leaves are armed. They sometimes reach the enor-
mous length of 600 or even 1000 feet, and as
4,000,000 of them are imported into this country
(England) annually, a great number of persons must
find employment in cutting them.

" Among the most singular products of palm trees
are the resins and wax produced by some species.
The fruits of a species of calamus of the Eastern
Archipelago are covered with a resinous substance
of a red color, which in common with a similar pro-
duct from some other trees, is the Dragon's blood of
commerce, and is used as a pigment, for varnish, and
in the manufacture of tooth-powder. A lofty palm,
growing in the Andes of Bogota, produces a resinous
wax which is secreted in its stem, and used by the
inhabitants of the country for making candles, and
for other purposes.

" The leaves of palms, however, are applied to th*
greatest variety of uses ; thatch for houses, umbrellas,
hats, baskets, and cordage in countless varieties are
made from them, and every tropical country possesses

THE PALM TREE. 131

some species adapted to these varied purposes, which
in temperate zones are generally supplied by a very
different class of plants. The Chip, or Brazilian-
grass hats, so cheap in this country, are made from
the leaves of a palm tree which grows in Cuba,
whence they are imported for the purpose.

" The papyrus of the ancient Egyptians, and the
metallic plates on which other nations wrote, were not
used in India, but their place was supplied by the
leaves of palms, on whose hard and glossy surface the
characters were inscribed with a metallic point. These
leaves, when strung together, form the volumes of a
Hindoo library.

" We have now glanced at a few of the most im-
portant uses to which Palms are applied, but in order
to be able to appreciate how much the native tribes
of the countries where they most abound, are de-
pendent on this noble family of plants, and how they
take part in some form or other in almost every action
of the Indian's life, we must enter into his hut and
inquire into the origin and structure of the various
articles we shall see around us.

" Suppose then we visit an Indian cottage on the
banks of the Rio Negro, a great tributary of the
river Amazon, in South America. The main sup-
ports of the building are trunks of some forest tree
of heavy and durable wood, but the light rafters over
head are formed by the straight cylindrical and
uniform stems of the Jara palm. The roof is thatched
with large triangular leaves, neatly arranged in
regular alternate rows, and bound to the rafters with

182 THE PALM TREE.

sipds or forest creepers; the leaves are those of the
Carana palm. The door of the house is a framework
of thin hard strips of wood neatly thatched over ; it
is made of the split stems of the Pashiiiba palm. In
one corner stands a heavy harpoon for catching the
cow-fish; it is formed of the black wood of the
Pashiiiba. By its side is a blow-pipe ten or twelve
feet long, and a little quiver full of small poisoned
arrows hangs up near it; with these the Indian pro-
cures birds for food, or for their gay feathers, or even
brings down the wild hog or the tapir, and it is from,
the stems and spines of two species of Palms that
they are made. His great bassoon-like musical in-
struments are made of palm stems ; the cloth in which
he wraps his most valued feather ornaments is a fibrous
palm spathe ; and the rude chest in which he keeps
his treasures is woven from palm leaves. His ham-
mock, his bow-string and his fishing-line, are from
the fibres of leaves which he obtains from different
palm trees, according to the 'qualities he requires in
them, — the hammock from the Miriti, and the bow-
string and fishing-line from the Tucum. The comb
which he wears on his head is ingeniously constructed
of the hard bark of a palm, and he makes fish-hooks,
of the spines, or uses them to puncture on his skin
the peculiar markings of his tribe. His children are
eating the agreeable red and yellow fruit of the
Pupunha or peach palm, and from that of the Assai
he has prepared a favorite drink, which he offers you
to taste. That carefully-suspended gourd contains
oil, which he has extracted from the fruit of another

THE PALM TREE.

133

species } and that long elastic plaited cylinder, used
for squeezing dry the mandiocca pulp to make his
bread, is made of the bark of one of the singular
climbing palms, which alone can resist for a consider-
able time the action of the poisonous juice. In each
of these cases a species is selected better adapted
than the rest for the peculiar purpose to which it is
applied, and often having several different uses which
no other plant can serve as well; so that some little
idea may be formed of how important to the South
American Indian must be
these noble trees, which
supply so many daily wants,
giving him his house, his
food, and his weapons."

The Palms may be said
to be almost exclusively a
tropical production, a few
only being found either to
the north or to the south
of their limits. A beauti-
ful species, the "Palmetto,"
grows in considerable
abundance in South Caro-
lina and Florida : this ap-
pears to be the only one
which exists so far north

on this continent. The whole number of species yet
known is about 600, of which 275 are natives of
America.

The Palms present in their varied forms some of
12

The Palmetto.

134 THE PALM TREE.

the most graceful and picturesque, and certainly some
of the most majestic objects to be found in the vege-
table world. They stand out with their light, airy,
and sometimes plume-like foliage, in harmonious
contrast with the deep, dark, and rank growth of the
underwood. Notwithstanding there is much simi-
larity in their general character, yet the difference is
frequently great. Some species attain the enormous
stature of 200 feet, while others have no stems
visible above ground, and display nothing but a wide-
spreading bunch of huge leaves ; some are like reeds
and are no thicker than a quill, others attain a
diameter of 3 feet. The trunks of some are smooth,
and some are rough with concentric rings, " or clothed
with a woven or hairy fibrous covering." From the
trunks of other species project cylindrical spines 8 or
10 inches in length and quite sharp, which it may
be supposed often interrupt the progress of the
traveller, as well as prove dangerous enemies in the
dark.

The bold and erect posture of the Palm tree is
proverbially emblematic of perfect uprightness. Thus
David 'says, "The righteous shall flourish like the
Palm tree."

The branches of the Palm, or rather their long
leaves, were also considered as emblems of victory,
and were often used as such on occasions of public
rejoicing. When our Saviour made his triumphant
entry into Jerusalem, some of the people " took
branches of Palm trees, and strewed them in the
way." And in the vision of St. John, the multitude

THE PALM TREE. 135

which no man could number, were seen standing
before the throne, clothed with white robes, and had
palms in their hands.

In the many places in Scripture where the Palm
is mentioned, it undoubtedly alludes to the Date tree
which was formerly abundant in Palestine, and still
is a tree of frequent occurrence throughout Asia
Minor, Arabia, and Egypt.

Occoa-nuta.

INDEX.

Acorn, wonders of, 88, 89.
Acrogenous plants, 70.
African Palm-tree, 129.
Air-plants, 42.
Algaa, 70.
Aloe, 37.

blooms but once, 37.

cultivated in tropical America,
38.

fibres of, used in making rope
bridges, 39.

paper made from, by the ancient
Mexicans, 39.

various uses of, 39.
Alpine plants, 73.
Amaryllis, Yellow, 55.
Amazon, Palm-trees of the, 127-133.
American Daisy, 48.
Ankerwyke Yew, 109.
Annuals, 83.
Anther, 28.
Aquarium, 60-63.

plants best adapted to, 65.
Aquatic plants render water pure,

60.

Arctic Circle, flowers of, 72.
Arctic regions, Willow of, 102.
Aspen, 106.

Barley, 16.
Barren Pine, 78.

how supplied with moisture, 79.
Barton on the Passion-Flower, 41.
Bashan, Oaks of, 93.
Beech, 98, 99.

Bible, origin of the term, 20.
Biennials, 83.
Bignonia, 43.
Birch, 104.

Birch-bark canres, 105.
12*

Black Oak, 93.

Black Walnut, 99, 100.

Bloom, how to prolong, 33.

Blossoming trees, 110.

Boddington Oak, 95.

Box-wood, 87.

Buckeye, 110.

Bud contains the entire pit git in

miniature, 84.
Bulbous roots, 84.
Bulrush of the Bible, 19.
Butterfly Orchis, 43.

Cabinet-ware woods, 87.

California, large trees of, 113-116.

Calla, 55.

Calyx, 27.

Canada Balsam, 118.

Canes for chair-bottoms, 130.

Canoe Birch, 104, 105.

Carolina rice-fields, 19.

Catalpa, 110.

Catkins, 27.

Cauline leaves, 35.

Cedar of Lebanon, 120-122.

spoken of by prophet Ezekiel,

120.
Cedars of Lebanon, 121.

number of, now remaining, 122.

properties of the wood, 123.
Century Plant, 37.
Cereal grasses rapid in growth, 15.
Cereus, Night-blooming, 30, 31.
Chandos Oak, 95.
Charter Oak, 93.
Chestnut, 98.

its resemblance to the Oak, 97.

98.

China Aster, 48.
Circulating fluid of plants, 58.

(137)

138

INDEX.

Cocoanut, 129.
Compound flowers, 49.
Cone-bearing trees, 112.

enlivening effect of their foliage

in winter, 116.
Conifera, 112.
Convolvulus, 44.
Cork Oak, 92.
Corolla, 27.
Corymb, 29.

figured, 31.
Cowthorpe Oak, 97.
Crawley Elm, 104.
Crocus, 81.
Curled Willow, 103.
Cyme, 29.

figured, 32.
Cypress, 118.

a long-lived tree, 120.

swamps of tho South, 119.
Cypress-wood, durability of, 119.

supposed to be the gopher-wood
of Scripture, 119.

Daisy, 47, 48.

a compound flower, 48, 49.
Michaelmas, 48.
Date, 129.
Date-tree, the palm of Scripture,

135.
Dog-wood, flowers of, 30.

Egyptian Water-Lily, 54.

venerated by the Hindoos, 54.
Elm, 103, 104, 108.
Endogenous plants, 13.

trees, 125.
Epiphytes, 43.
European Cypress, 119.
Evening Primrose, 31.
Evergreens, 75, 116.
Exogenous trees, 86.

Fascicle, 29.

figured, 30.
Ferns, 70, 71.

seed-vessels of, 71.
Fibrous-rooted plants, use of, 84.
Filament, 28.
Fir, 113, 117, 120.
Flowers, 25, 26.

abound in mountainous places,
73.

common form of, 28.

different arrangement of, 29.

of Arctic countries, 73.

Flowers of the grasses, 13.

parts of, described, 27, 28.

seed-producing organs of, 27.

various shapes of, 28.
Flushing Oaks, 93.
Fly-trap, 82.
Fontingall Yew, 109.
Food-plants, their power of repro-
duction, 14.
Fronds, 71.
Fruits, 34.

Garden 8000 feet above the sea, 74.
Grass, meaning of the term as used
in Scripture, 12.

many varieties of, 12.
Grasses, abundance of seeds, 14.

formation of, 13.

order of, in creation, 11.
Great Water-Lily, 51.
Gopher-wood, 119.

Hemlock, 117.
Hickory, 100.

Himalaya Mountains, rhododen-
drons of, 75, 76.
Hindoo paper, 131.
Hollow Elm at Hampstead, 104.
Holly-leaved Oak, 92.

Indian Corn, 17.
Insect-catching plants, 82.
Involucre, 30.

figured, 34.
Ipomasa, 45.

Jacobean Lily, 56.

curious process of fertilization,

56
Jara Palm, 131.

Larch, 118.

Large trees of California, 113-116.
Leaves, breathing-organs of plants,
58.

of endogenous plants, 13.

of the fir, 112,

of the larch, 113.

of the palm, uses of, 130, 131.

of the pine, 112.

of various species of oak,figured,
88-93.

varieties of, 35.

various shapes of, 35, 36.
Lebanon, cedars of, 121-123.
Lichens, 70.

INDEX.

139

Light not essential to all flowers, 30.
Lily, the emblem of purity, 50.

many varieties, 51.

of the New Testament, 55.

of the Old Testament, 54.
Live Oak, 91, 92.
Locust, 110.

Lombardy Poplar, 103, 106.
Lotus, 54.
London's Arboretum, quoted, 94-97.

Magdalen Oak, 96.

Magnolia, 111.

Maize, 17.

Marine plants, 65.

Marvel of Peru, 32.

Meadow-grass, recuperative power

of 23

Merton Oak, 94.
Michaelmas Daisy, 48.
Milfoil, 66.
Mimosa, 82.
Morning-Glories, 44.
Mosses, 70.
Mould, 70.
Mount Etna, famous cheatnut-tree

of, 98.

Mummy wheat, 15.
Myriopliyllum, 66.

Napoleon's Willow, 102.

Nature's power of adaptation, 78,

79.

Nectary, 27.

Night-blooming Cereus, 30, 31.
Night-blooming flowers, 30.

Oak, growth of, described, 89, 90.
in Syria, confined mostly to ele-
vated positions, 'J2.
its resemblance to the chest-
nut, 97, 98.
varieties of, 88.
Oaks, several celebrated English,

described, 94-97.
Oats, 17, 18.
Old trees, 94, 96, 98, 99,108,109,120,

122.

Orchids, 42, 43.

Orders of the vegetable kingdom, 12.
Ornamental trees of American

forests, 110.
Ovary, 27.
Oxygenation of air by leaves, 60.

Palestine, oaks )f, 92.

Palm, 124-135.

almost exclusively tropical, 133.

emblem of uprightness, 134.

leaves of, 126.

of Scripture, 135.

utility of, 127.
Palm-branches emblems of victory,

134.

Palms, leaves of, formerly used in
India as paper, 131.

of South America, 131, 132.
Palmetto, 133.
Pampas Grass, 22.
Panicle, 29.

figured, 32.
Paper Birch, 104.
Paper of the ancients, 20.
Papyrus, 19-21.
Pashiuba Palm, 132.
Passion-Flower, 40, 41.

Barton's verses on, 41.
Peduncle, 29.
Perennials, 83.
Perfumes highly esteemed by the

ancient Jews, 81.

Period of rest in plants, how indi-
cated, 74.
Petals, 27.

Picture-writings of the Mexicans,39.
Pines of the United States Pacific

coast, 116.
Pistils, 27.
Pitcher Plant, 79.
Plants adapted to air and water, 66.

evolve oxygen in daytime, 59.

of cold countries usually have
white flowers, 73.

power of motion in, 81-83.

resemblance of their functions
to those of animals, 58.

respiration of, 58, 59.

their season of rest, 74.
Plato's laws engraved on cypress-
wood, 119.
Pollen, 28.
Pond Lily, 54.
Poplar, 103, 106, 107.

Lombardy, 103, 106.
Pride of India, 110.
Primrose, Evening, 31.
Pulque, 40.

Kaceme, 29.

figured, 30.
Radical, 35.
Reflected flowers, 28.

140

INDEX.

Respiration of plants, 58, 59.

Rhizome, 71.

Rhododendron, 75.

Rice, 18.

Rice-fields of Carolina, 19.

Riugent flowers, 28.

Rings in exogenous wood denote

years of growth, 91.
Roots, 83, 84.

Rope bridges of Mexico, 39.
Rose, 45-47.

cultivation of, in India, 46.
wild, 47.
Rose-wood, 87.

Saffron, 81.

Sago, 129.

Salcey Forest Oak, 94.

Samphire, 68-70.

Sandal-wood, 87.

Sap, circulation of, 90.

effect of light on, 90.
Satin-wood, 87.
Scriptures, allusions to cone-bearing

trees in, 120.
Sea-Aquarium, 68.
Sea-Weeds, 67, 70.
Sensitive Plant, 82.
Shapes of leaves, 35, 36.
Shellbark Hickory, 100.
Silver Fir, 118.
Sleep of plants, 32.
South American Indians, usefulness

of the palm-tree to, 132.
Spadix, 56.
Spike, 29.
Spikenard, 80.
Spruce, 117.

roots of, used in making birch-
bark tents, 105.
Stamens, 27, 28.
Starwort, 66.
Stems of the grasses, 14.
Style, 27.
Sun-flower, 49.
Sweet Potato, 45.

Tea, annual product of, in China, 78.
Tea-leaves, properties of, 77.
Tea-Plant, 76.

green and black tea product of

the same plant, 77.
Tents made of birch-bark, 105.

Thyrse, 29.

figured, 33.

Tortworth, chestnut-tree at, 98.
Transformation of an insect, 63-65.
Trees add to beauty of a landscape,
103.

contrast of, afforded by different
climates, 124.

3000 years old, 115.

uses of, 85, 86.
Trumpet-Flower, 43.
Tuberous roots, 84.
Tulip, 55.
Tulip Poplar, 107.

Umbel, 29.

figured, 31.
Umbrella Tree, 111.
United States, variety of plants of,
74.

Vegetable kingdom, orders of, 12"..
Vegetative power of wheat, 15.
Venus Fly-trap, 82.
Victoria Regia, 51-53.

Bridges's account of discovery
of, 51, 52.

Walnut, 99.

Water Buttercup, 66.

Water-Lily, 54.

Wax from palm-trees, 130.

Weeping Willow, 101.

Wellingtonia of California, 113.

Wheat, 15.

not found wild, 15.
White Pine, 116, 117.
White Lily, 55.
White Oak, 93.
Whorl, 35.
Wild Roses, 47.
Willow, varieties of, 102.
Winfarthing Oak, 94.
Woods used in the arts, 87.

Yellow Amaryllis, 55.
Yellow Birch, 104.
Yellow Pine, 118.
Yew, 108.

in the United States, 110.
Yews of Fountain Abbey, 109.

Zebra-wood, 87.