voice of the wind, the sunshine,
And fragrance of blossoming things.
Ah! you are a poem of April,
That God endowed with wings.

EBEN. E. REXFORD.

V.

THE "WISE BLUEBIRD."

"A wise bluebird
Puts in his little heavenly word."

The characteristic air and expression of the bluebird, and his
enchanting little warble, could not be better described in a page of
writing than the poet has here done in a couplet.

Who has not seen him in his favorite resting-place, the lowest branch of
an apple-tree, standing up very straight, crown feathers erected, honest
little countenance squarely facing one, motionless and silent, looking
the embodiment of wisdom!

A pair of bluebirds lived in my house for nearly a year, and the calm,
imposing manner of the male I have never seen disturbed. In the presence
of birds much larger than himself he never lost his equanimity, paid not
the slightest attention to any one, went about his daily duties and
pleasures exactly as though there were not another bird, except his
mate, in the room. Quite otherwise was his little spouse: quick,
nervous, easily frightened, yet assuming the responsibility of
everything, even her lord's comfort and safety. Her very attitude was
different; she held her body horizontal, never perpendicular, as he did;
and she was more lively in movement. She was a brave little soul, too.
Even when greatly annoyed by a larger bird, she never failed to stand
upon the defensive, open her mouth, and sometimes remonstrate in low,
gentle talk. Nor did she--after she felt at home--allow a stranger to
enter her door. She boldly faced the largest bird in the room, and
always forced him to retire, while her mate stood calm and cool and
"wise," on the upper perch. More than this, she seemed to feel it part
of her duty to defend and protect his lordship, as though he were too
fragile to come into contact with the rough side of life. Nothing could
be droller than to see her stand guard while he bathed in the common
dish on the table, and fly furiously at the grosbeak, or any bird coming
too near her precious idol, who meanwhile placidly proceeded with his
bath in the most matter-of-fact manner, as though expecting to be
protected. I have seen similar conduct in a wild pair: the female
defending her nestlings against some fancied danger, scolding, flying
around the intruder, and taking the whole care upon herself; while her
spou