strings like this, so as to cross one
another, they weave in other strings crosswise, and this makes a sort
of bag or pouch. Then they put in the lining.

Of course, it swings and rocks when the wind blows, and what a nice
cradle it must be for the baby Orioles?

Orioles like to visit orchards and eat the bugs, beetles and
caterpillars that injure the trees and fruit.

There are few birds who do more good in this way than Orioles.

Sometimes they eat grapes from the vines and peck at fruit on the
trees. It is usually because they want a drink that they do this.

One good man who had a large orchard and vineyard placed pans of water
in different places. Not only the Orioles, but other birds, would go
to the pan for a drink, instead of pecking at the fruit. Let us think
of this, and when we have a chance, give the birds a drink of water.
They will repay us with their sweetest songs.

[Illustration: From col. F. M. Woodruff. BALTIMORE ORIOLE.]

THE SNOWY OWL.

Few of all the groups of birds have such decided markings, such
characteristic distinctions, as the Owl. There is a singular
resemblance between the face of an Owl and that of a cat, which is the
more notable, as both of these creatures have much the same habits,
live on the same prey, and are evidently representatives of the same
idea in their different classes. The Owl, in fact, is a winged cat,
just as the cat is a furred owl.

The Snowy Owl is one of the handsomest of this group, not so much on
account of its size, which is considerable, as by reason of the
beautiful white mantle which it wears, and the large orange eyeballs
that shine with the lustre of a topaz set among the snowy plumage.

It is a native of the north of Europe and America, but is also found
in the more northern parts of England, being seen, though rather a
scarce bird, in the Shetland and Orkney Islands, where it builds its
nest and rears its young. One will be more likely to find this owl
near the shore, along the line of salt marshes and woody stubble, than
further inland. The marshes do not freeze so easily or deep as the
iron bound uplands, and field-mice are more plentiful in them. It is
so fleet of wing that if its appetite is whetted, it can follow and
capture a Snow Bunting or a Junco in its most rapid flight.

Like the Hawk Owl, it is a day-flying bird, and is a terrible foe
to the smaller mammalia, and to various birds. Mr. Yarrell in his
"History of the British B