three inches in diameter and one in
depth, being quite shallow for so large a nest.

Dr. Hoy, of Racine, states that on the 15th of June, within six miles of
that city, he found seven nests, all within a space of not over five
acres, and he was assured that each year they resort to the same
locality and nest in this social manner. Six of these nests were in
thorn-trees, all were within six to ten feet of the ground, near the
center of the top. Three of the four parent birds sitting on the nests
were males. When a nest was disturbed, all the neighboring Grosbeaks
gathered and appeared equally interested.

It is frequently observed early in the month of March, making its way
eastward. At this period it passes at a considerable height in the air.
On the banks of the Schuylkill, early in May, it has been seen feeding
on the tender buds of trees. It eats various kinds of food, such as
hemp-seed, insects, grasshoppers, and crickets with peculiar relish. It
eats flies and wasps, and great numbers of these pests are destroyed by
its strong bill. During bright moonshiny nights the Grosbeak sings
sweetly, but not loudly. In the daytime, when singing, it has the habit
of vibrating its wings, in the manner of the Mocking-bird.

The male takes turns with his mate in sitting on the eggs. He is so
happy when on the nest that he sings loud and long. His music is
sometimes the cause of great mourning in the lovely family because it
tells the egg hunter where to find the precious nest.

THE CANADA JAY.

I don't believe I shall let this bird talk to you, boys and girls, for
I'm afraid he will not tell you what a funny fellow he is. Isn't he a
queer looking bird? See how ruffled up his feathers are. He looks as
though he forgot to fix up, just as some little boys forget to comb
their hair before going to school.

Well, to tell the truth, he is a very careless bird and does very funny
things sometimes. He can't be trusted.

Just listen to some of the names that people give him--"Meat Bird,"
"Camp Robber." I think you can guess why he is called those names.

Hunters say that he is the boldest of birds, and I think they are right,
for what bird would dare to go right into a tent and carry off things to
eat.

A hunter thought he would play a joke on one of these birds. He had a
small paper sack of crackers in the bottom of his boat. The Jay flew
down, helped himself to a cracker and flew away with it to his nest.
While he w