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15^ Bird- Lore and apologetic as it fluttered, played wounded, cried, and yet con- stantly drew nearer to us and the nest. Finally it lighted on the ground, faced us boldly, made a little run toward the nest, and paused breathlessly — a splendid-looking creature as it stood there, head erect, eyes sparkling, every sense on the alert. The camera snapped ! Up it rose but, finding no harm resulting, tried it again and yet again, till it made a final run, posed, and we made a final 'snap,' just as the bird stood over the eggs ! We were sitting motionless on the gravel about eight feet from it. I was glad to leave the poor bird in peace after that. Meantime its more faint-hearted mate had never ventured near us. About fifty feet off it had gone on industriously and per- functorily with its 'play acting,' dragging itself on the ground and crying piteously, but not really risking itself in the least. It was curious that I never once heard the kill-deer cry which the books say they give. They uttered a one-syllabled cry only ; evidently an alarm note. YOUNG BRONZED GRACKLE Photographed rom nature by R. W. Hegner, Decorah, la.