IN THE HEMLOCKS 65 



which wander aimlessly about, I am attracted by a 

 singularly brilliant and emphatic warble, proceeding 

 from the low bushes, and quickly suggesting the 

 voice of the Maryland yellow-throat. Presently the 

 singer hops up on a dry twig, and gives me a good 

 view. Lead-colored head and neck, becoming nearly 

 black on the breast; clear olive-green back, and 

 yellow belly. From his habit of keeping near the 

 ground, even hopping upon it occasionally, I know 

 him to be a ground warbler; from his dark breast 

 the ornithologist has added the expletive mourning, 

 hence the mourning ground warbler. 



Of this bird both Wilson and Audubon confessed 

 their comparative ignorance, neither ever having 

 seen its nest or become acquainted with its haunts 

 and general habits. Its song is quite striking and 

 novel, though its voice at once suggests the class of 

 warblers to which it belongs. It is very shy and 

 wary, flying but a few feet at a time, and studiously 

 concealing itself from your view. I discover but 

 one pair here. The female has food in her beak, 

 but carefully avoids betraying the locality of her 

 nest. The ground warblers all have one notable 

 feature, — very beautiful legs, as white and delicate 

 as if they had always worn silk stockings and satin 

 slippers. High tree warblers have dark brown or 

 black legs and more brilliant plumage, but less 

 musical ability. 



The chestnut-sided belongs to the latter class. 

 He is quite common in these woods, as in all the 

 woods about. He is one of the rarest and hand- 



