THE YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT 293 



are frequented by snakes, and placing their nests so near 

 the ground, it is no uncommon thing for snakes to eat 

 either the eggs or the young birds. The parents are fear- 

 less, however, and doubtless sometimes succeed in driving 

 the snake away. 



If a dog passes through their thicket they do not hesi- 

 tate to follow him, scolding and manifesting their dis- 

 tress in every possible way, and I have even seen them 

 pounce on the dog's back and peck and pound him with 

 their wings. 



These birds feed largely on beetles, caterpillars, and 

 other insects, tho they are fond of wild fruit, especially 

 strawberries. Wild strawberries are apt to grow in brush 

 such as they inhabit, and from their great fondness for 

 this fruit I have sometimes thought this might be a de- 

 ciding factor in selecting their home. I have never seen 

 them do damage in orchards, however, so no one should be- 

 grudge them the wild berries they eat. 



They are found over the greater part of our country, tho 

 one must go into the sort of places they inhabit in order 

 to find them. 



