NESTING DIVISION. 



Mr. H. C. Higgins, who has charge of this department of the work, 

 issued a circular outlining the matter which reports sent to him ought to 

 contain. He has received a large number of notes, in response to this 

 circular, and is much encouraged with the outlook for his final report. 

 Further notes from all will be thankfully received, and will add greater 

 value to the report. Lest those who have received these circulars may- 

 have lost them, I take the liberty of reproducing here the essential parts 

 of Mr. Higgins' circular. Do not let him lack for notes. Recollect that 

 any notes you may have will be valuable to him. 



What is your latitude ? Altitude ? The nature of your region (forests, 

 prairies, etc.) ? What Warblers are positively known to breed in your 

 section ? Are they common or rare ? 



What site is selected for the nest, and at what date does building begin ? 

 How long a time is used in constructing the nest ? Of what is it com- 

 posed ? Do both male and female assist in building ? Size of nest — 

 inside and outside measurements ? Variations of materials used, and 

 relative positions of them if the same, at different times, or for second 

 sets or both ? 



How much time intervenes, if any, between the completion of the nest 

 and the deposition of the first egg ? How much time is required to 

 deposit the full set ? How many eggs are usually deposited ? Largest 

 set, smallest set ? The eggs — color, size and shape, by sets ? 



Number of days required for incubation, and habits and actions of 

 birds during this period ? Do both birds incubate ; if so, ratio of time 

 spent by each ? 



Is the first egg laid the first to hatch ? 



Is more than one brood raised a year ? 



Do both parents care for and feed the young ? 



Action of parents when the nest containing young is approached ? 



Number of days before the young leave the nest ? 



How long does the family remain together, and how long are the young 

 cared for and watched over by the parents ? 



Is the species imposed on by the Cowbird ? If so, are any means used 

 to destroy its eggs ? 



How are the young of the Cowbird treated ? Does the Cowbird ever 

 kill the young Warblers ? 



Any other information regarding the nesting of any of the Warblers 



