46 THE CONDOR I VoL. VIII a sip of water and then take a rest, another sip and ,qnother rest, finally settling himself in the water for a good bath. After splashing about to his heart's content he would come out to preen himself for awhile, and if no other birds were about would take his departure in due course. of time. But if smaller birds came around he would repeat the whole performance, while perhaps around him--but not loo near--stood a thirsty group of house finches (Cari?odaats nzexican?ts frontalis), and the bush overhanging the bowl supported an equally impatient crowd of green- backed goldfinches (Aslragalint?s i?sallria ltesI?eroi?ltilus). The poor things often had to wait a good long while, and now and again a more adventurous one would dare to approach the water only to receive a vigorous attack from Mr. Tow bee for his temerity. It was a veritable case of "dog in the manger." The most amusing of all the birds noted in this garden were the wren-tits (Clzanzcea fasciala). These little fellows seemed to be actually clown-like in their antics, and in this spot had but little fear of human beings, often feeding within three or four feet of persons who were sitting comparatively still, tho perhaps MOCKINGBIRD SWALLOWING conversing in an ordinary tone of voice. The berries of the pepper tree seemed to have a great attraction for them and they would stuff themselves with these until it seeme0 as if they would burst. And apparently the berries made them very thirsty, for they would often stop the stuffing process long enough to fly to the nearest water for a drink. Close to the ground and near one of the pepper trees under which I often sat in the afternoons was a two-inch fire hydrant which was at such a height that a wren-tit standing on tiptoes could just reach up to it. The leakage was almost im- perceptible, but it was enough for a sip or two every now and again. Apparently aspecial pair and their young--or perhaps friends--claimed ownership to this hydrant, and visited it frequently when indulging in pepper berries. Any person having the temerity to place himself within five or six feet of this private drinking place was sure to receive a terrific scolding from the whilom owners, but by moving my chair gradually and keeping very quiet I succeeded in sitting not over three feet away without preventing the birds from making use of it, tho they always made a good deal of fuss before approaching and never tarried very
