HOUSE WREN. 423 



in the Western wilderness of the 49th degree of latitude. 

 It is likewise said to be an inhabitant of Surinam within 

 the tropics, where its delightful melody has gained it the 

 nickname of the Nightingale. This region, or the inter- 

 mediate country of Mexico, is probably the winter quar- 

 ters of our domestic favorite. In Louisiana it is unknown 

 even as a transient visitor,* migrating apparently to the 

 east of the Mississippi, and sedulously avoiding the re- 

 gion generally inhabited by the Carolina Wren. It is a 

 matter of surprise how this, and some other species, 

 with wings so short and a flight so fluttering, are ever 

 capable of arriving and returning from such distant 

 countries. At any rate, come from where he may, he 

 makes his appearance in the Middle States about the 

 12th or loth of April, and is seen in New England 

 in the latter end of that month or by the beginning of 

 May. They take their departure for the South towards 

 the close of September, or early in October, and are not 

 known to winter within the limits of the Union. 



Some time in the early part of May, our little social vis- 

 itor enters actively into the cares as well as pleasures 

 which preside instinctively over the fiat of propagation. 

 His nest, from preference, near the house, is placed be- 

 neath the eaves, in some remote corner under a shed, 

 outhouse, barn, or in a hollow orchard tree ; also in the 

 deserted cell of the Woodpecker, and when provided 

 with the convenience, in a wooden box alonsf with the 

 Martins and Blue-birds. He will make his nest even in 

 an old hat, nailed up, and perforated with a hole for 

 entrance,! and Audubon saw one deposited in the pocket 

 of a broken down carriage. So pertinacious is the 



* Audubon, Orn. Biog. i. p. 427. 



t This incident, with all the truth and beauty of nature, is given by Audubon ia 

 his best style. 



