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The cheerful Phoebe, the first to come and the last to leave of its tribe, can be distinguished by its sociability as well as its musical cry. To those who are familiar with the domestic Phobe, who builds his bulky moss nest at their very door, and who associate him with the Wren in his love of nooks in the outbuildings, it will seem strange to know that in his primitive state he haunts dim woods and running water. The domesticated Phoebe is a great bather, and may be seen in the half-light dashing in and out of the water as he makes trips to and from his nest.

Here in the garden this bird frequently exhibits its love of water, and after the young are hatched in the various nests, both old and young repair to a maple near the pool, and disport themselves about the water until moulting-time. It is very amusing to watch them as they flash down, one by one, for a dip or an insect, taking both on the wing without a pause.

Do not let the Phoebes build under the hoods of your win. dows, for their spongy nests harbour innumerable bird-lice, and under such circumstances your fly-screens will become infested and the house invaded