llicrc i> a layer ut line dritil stalks of grass, and lastly of feathers. There are six 

 or seven, and sonietitnes nine eggs, of a red-purj)lish flesh color, innumerable 

 fine grains of that tint being thickly sprinkled over the whole surface. Two 

 broods arc generally raised each season, the first leaving the nest about the 1st of 

 June, the second in July. 



The little bird has a strong antii)athy to cats; for having frequent occasion 

 to glean among the currant bushes and other shrubbery in the garden, those lurk- 

 ing enemies of the feathered race often prove fatal to him. 



The immense number of insects which this sociable little bird removes from 

 the garden ami fruit trees ought to endear him to every cultivator, even if he had 

 nothing else to recommend him. But his notes, loud, sjjrightly, tremulous and 

 repeated every few seconds with great animation, arc extremely agreeable. In 

 the heat of summer, families in the country often tlinc on the piazza unrler green 

 canopies of vines and creepers, while overhead the trilling vivacity of the Wren, 

 mingled with the warbling mimicry of the Mockingbird and the distant softened 

 sounds of numerous other songsters, form a soul-soothing music, breathitig jx^ace, 

 innocence and repose. In strength of tone and execution the song of this species 

 is far superior to that of the Kuroi:>ean Wren. 



The food of the House-wren consists of insects and caterpillars. While sup- 

 pl\ing the wants of its young, it destroys, on a moderate calculation, many hun- 

 dreds of these pests a day, thus greatly reducing their ravages. It is a bold 

 and insolent bird against those of tiie Titmouse or Woodpecker kind that venture 

 to build within its jurisdiction, attacking them without hesitation, though they be 

 twice as large, and generally forcing them to decamp. Even the Bluebird, who 

 claims an equal and, as it were, hereditary right to the box in the garden, when 

 attacked by this little impertinent, sometimes relinquishes the contest, the mild 

 placidity of his disposition not being a match for the fiery impetuosity of his 

 little antagonist. With those of his own species, who settle and build near him, 

 he has frequent squabbles. 



In summer the I louse-wren is found throughout the eastern United States, 

 west to Michigan and Indiana, and north to southern Ontario and Maine. It 

 migrates southward in autumn, and is found throughout the year in southern 

 •States east of Louisiana. 



885 



