Messrs. Baird, Brewer and Ridgway say that "The song of this bird is by far the most remarkable of its specific peculiarities," and Mr. Chapman declares, "Taking the small size of the bird into consideration, the Ruby-crown's song is one of the most marvellous vocal performances among birds; being not only surpassingly sweet, varied and sustained, but possessed of sufficient volume to be heard at a distance of two hundred yards. Fortunately he sings both on the spring and fall migrations."

Mrs. Wright describes the call note as "Thin and metallic, like a vibrating wire," and quotes Mr. Nehrling, who speaks of the "Power, purity and volume of the notes, their faultless modulation and long continuance."

Mr. Robert Ridgway wrote that this little king of song was one of our very smallest birds he also "ranks among the sweetest singers of the country. It is wonderfully powerful for one so small, but it is remarkable for its softness and sweet expression more than for other qualities. It consists of an inexpressibly delicate and musical warble, astonishingly protracted at times, and most beautifully varied by softly rising and falling cadences, and the most tender whistlings imaginable."

Mr. Ridgway quotes from Dr. Brewer: "The notes are clear, resonant and high, and constitute a prolonged series, varying from the lowest tones to the highest, and terminating with the latter. It may be heard at quite a distance, and in some respects bears more resemblance to the song of the English skylark than to that of the canary, to which Mr. Audubon compares it." Mr. Ridgway continues:

"We have never heard the skylark sing, but there is certainly no resemblance between the notes of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and those of the canary, the latter being as inferior in tenderness and softness as they excel in loudness."

Mr. Audubon had stated: "When I tell you that its song is fully as sonorous as that of the canary-bird, and much richer, I do not come up to the truth, for it is not only as powerful and clear, but much more varied and pleasing to the ear."

While the frequent sacrifice of the adult regulus and regina through their reckless absorption in their own affairs and obliviousness to the presence of enemies, lends color to the statement that "The spirits of the martyrs will be lodged in the crops of green birds," yet by virtue of a talent other than vocal, they compel few of the human family to echo the remorseful lament of John Halifax, Gentleman,

"I took the wren's nest,
Bird, forgive me!"

For but few of the most ardent seekers have succeeded in locating the habitation of the fairy kinglet, and the unsuccessful majority perforce exclaim with Wordsworth,

"Oh, blessed bird!
The earth we pace
Again appears to be
An unsubstantial, fairy place,
That is fit home for thee!"

JULIETTE A. OWEN.