grasses ; lined with j)lant-do\vn : entrance in side. Eygs, 6-8, pure white, unmarked 

 — unique in this respect in the family. Av. size, 64 x .49 ( 16.3 x 12.5). 



It has never been the author's good fortune to meet with this Wren but 

 once, and then during migrations, when close study was impossible. It is at 

 best a rare visitor with us, and nothing has recently come to li.ght regarding 

 its nesting in the state. 



Mr. Ernest E. Thompson says, "This is less a species of the deep water 

 marshes than is the long-billed member of the genus, and often it will be found 

 in places that are little more than damp meadows. It is remarkably mouse- 

 like in habits and movements, and can be flushed only with extreme difficulty." 



Mr, B. T. Gault, of Glen Ellyn, 111., found this bird not uncommon in 

 the grassy marshes near Sheffield. Ind., and describes the song as altogether 

 dififerent from that of T. paliislris. "In the manner of delivery it forcibly 

 reminds one of the song of the Dickcissel (St'i::a aiiicricaiia ) although, of course, 

 it was not near as loud. They were cjuite shy but would allow one to approach 

 within forty or fifty feet of them, when they would dart down into the thick 

 grass, from which it was almost impossible to dislodge them. Tlie specimens 

 that I secured were shot from small bushes on the edge of the marsh, these 

 being the favorite stands occupied bv the male in song." 



According to Dr. Brewer, the nests of this species are constructed in the 

 midst of tussocks of coarse, high grass, the tops of the blades being bent down 

 and interwoven into a stout spherical ball, closed on every side save for one 

 small aperture. The strong wirv grass of the tussock is also shot through 

 and interlaced with finer materials brought in by the bird. The whole structure 

 is almost impervious to rain ; and the inner nest is composed of grasses and fine 

 sedges, lined with vegetable downs. 



The Cardinal 



By Elizabeth E. Elliott 



Catbirds we love with their mocking note. 



Albatross, breasting the stormy sea, 

 Robin Redbrest, bold, with his crimson throat, 



Doves, that nest in the southern pine tree. 

 Indigo Bird of Heavenly hue, 



Nighthawks, whose humming we plainly hear, 

 Acad'an Flycatcher of yellowish hue. 



Linnet and Lark we alway hold dear. 



But of all our birds of feathered fame, 



The Cardinal, brave in coat of flame. 



Most holds our hearts in Love's enthrall. 



From earl'est spring to latest fall. 



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