Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-03-14
The Bird Conference.

The Bird Conference.
1t was conference time and crowds OF
birds We're convened in Farmer Sell
denis great upland pasture.
The all-absorbing theme OF the con-
vention was. of course, where should
these birds be settled. where make their
homes during the coming season?
The grosbeak was moderator Of the
meeting, the crow was secretary. while
the cuckoo and the humming bird were
reporters.
The grosbeak was moderator OF the
black eyes.over the audience. called
the meeting to order and sweetly an
nounced that the bluebird would favor
them wi IN song. song of the spring
time.
The crow solemnly gave the minutes
of the last years meetings. and made
place for the king bird. who proceeded
to state that the woods. the orchards,
the grass and grain fields, the marsh
and meadow lands of the wide Selden
farm offered great choice of homes.
that there was food for all, and protec-
ton was sure, for the good farmer was
a member Of the Band Of Mercy.
Then up hoped the woodpecker and
moved that as these facts were indis-
putable. each one should be allowed to
state where he would like to make his
home. and, no objections being made,
the matter should be considered set
tied.
This motion was carried by acclama-
ton, and great waving of wings fol-
lowed.
THE meeting now is yours said the
moderator, please to name your chos-
en- place without formality. only l
would suggest that the order of your
arrival might somewhat determine the
order of the speakers
Well" said the nuthatch Il was
here in February and 1 selected that
old pine tree near the oak woods. 1t
has just the right hollow to suit my
purpose"
Il suppose i came next" said the
bluebird. land I would like to build in
the hollow stump which stands in the
corner of this field. You'll see me COM
ing down to the gardens though. for l
shall want some spiders and caterpil-
lars for my family"
The robin looked very cunning as he
said Farmer Selden would miss me if
l UluH DuIiu III tHe tHSiIS u &C CSHihN
the dairy as l did last year"
II think you are going down there to
get cream" said the bobolink; you're
fond of il"
Well" returned the robin. Mrs.
Selden laughs when she sees me. be-
lieve she sets saucer purposely Tor
me- 1t is good to accept what the gods
provide"
Order" cried the grosbeak. with
dignity: ''let business be strictly at
tended to- Mr.. Secretary. you are
next
The crow tried to look dignified. MIR.
Moderator" he said. you will proba-
bly, wish the big laurel thicket for your
home I desire to be your neishbor
and have my house in the tall hemlock
just beyond.
The grosbeak bowed his head in re-
| ply. for the woodpecker was already
saying in jerky fashion. I'm going
| to dig a hole in the poplar tree on the
knoll"
You'll never be at home said the
| robin. you'll always be grubbing IN
the orchard"
That's very profitable business for
| Farmer Se!den and myself replied
the woodpecker. and my cousin. the
yellow hammer is going into partner
ship with me.
The purple grackle put up his head,
I'm going to reside in the same square
as Mr. Nuthatch,' said he. Il shall
live in the larch tree opposite.
IAN right" assented the bluejay,
land I'll take the big cedar on the next
street..
"I'n share my juniper berries with
YOU said the cedar bird mischievousiy
/ for he knew none of the others wanted
any BY way of reply the crow lifted ms
| scalp lock. the nuthatch snapped ms
nandibes. the. grackle looked indlnerenl !;
but the blue jay flew in rage ana
sfrieked. you know | eat nuts. ! plant
more nuts and mast than any other bird
Seimar Hess is my authority. ~ ).
said the red winged blackbird. ''let us
come down from such iofttness. ! snail
have a cool summer residence among the
catais and tags "a so Of I s m f. i've by he
wafer; come and sec me- said the red
start. Il shall keep open house on lit
tie twig over the brook"
swamp sparrow II viii take the clump
Of hazel bushes close by you. 'tsgs MN
And I will live, in the barberry hed,g hedge
'..I'' said the, field sparrow. "shall make
a neat house on the ground
why said the bunting. ''tnatS ex-
actiy what | intended to do.
well there's plenty Of room on the
ground. said the brown thrasher. I'm
Coming there, too. but, like the bottom
of dry grassy ditch best"
You're welcome" said the bobolint
saucily I'm not particular myself. am
I sing so much. I'm tired at night anf
glad not to have to fly far or high
like the soft meadow grass Tor my
home.
: please invite me- said the chewink
II like grassy nlaces II not too nea
houses.
That's what say, said the quail.
. MY preference is the meadow near th'
corn fields.
You've excellent taste; said the snipe
81 agree with you BOTH said the par
fridge.
4 II like the ground said the wood
/. chuck but I want some running waite
e Then come and live next door to me.
: said the wood thrush, for shall have m.
home by the little brook that runs from
he marsh to the woodland and through
: the meadow.