owever, an oriole was found by one of the old
mocking-birds perched on the edge of the nest, he was driven away with a
piece of mocking-bird mind on the subject of meddlers. Likewise they
frequently paid visits to a nuthatch colony at the top of a tall
pine-tree. Whether more aggressive among these smaller birds, or not,
could not be seen. But the facts were that upon an oriole's disappearing
through those heavy pine branches, away above our heads, there instantly
arose a great outcry in the querulous nuthatch voice, and the intruder
returned to the lower world with some precipitation, while gentle,
complaining sounds came from the invaded territory for some time. So,
too, in different degree the birds showed interest in me, peering down
between the leaves of the tree in which they spent most of their time,
and making remarks or expressing opinions, climbing--which they
literally did--to the end of a twig, stretching up tall to look over the
top and stare at me, or when flying slowly past, hovering a moment just
in front of me with perfect fearlessness and earnest attention to my
pursuits.

At length the crisis in the oriole matters came, as come it must, and
not long after the war-dance that has been described. The season was
advanced and nesting time already begun. In fact, it was ended in
several families; mocking-birds were about ready to fly, young chipping
sparrows peeped from every tuft of grass, baby bluebirds were trying
their wings at their doors, the yellow-throated warbler was stuffing her
youngsters on the next tree, and the late kingbirds had nearly finished
their nests. Whether a pitched battle at last settled the dispute,
whether the modest little dame united with her chosen mate against the
common enemy, or whether perchance--though this is not likely--the elder
bird tired of his useless warfare, will never be known, for the whole
matter was settled before we mortals were out of bed, in the magic
morning hours when so many interesting things go on in bird and beast
life. When I came out, I saw at once that a decision had been reached.
The younger bird had won his bride, and with much talk and love-making
the happy pair were busying themselves about a building spot. This first
day of their honeymoon was not, however, very peaceful; old troubles are
not so soon forgotten, and the discarded suitor found it hard to believe
that the repulse was final and he really should not have his own way. He
frequently m