BIRDS OF MINNESOTA. 331 



upon the moving protozoans in the rapid waters beneath him, 

 and the moving shadows in the mountains of the belated moon, 

 while ruminating upon the unfolded life-history of what was 

 once considered a simple species, pregnant although with the 

 potence of genuine possibilities— Presto Junco! 



Note. The above was written before a number of my 

 ornithological friends of the State verbally reported to me 

 some extensive comparisons of the Juncos obtained in migra- 

 tion which showed a graduation from hyemaUs into oregonus, 

 which since that time I have measurably verified. Reconsol- 

 idation is the natural order of the day. Let the good work go 

 bravely on. P. L. H. 



SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 



Everywhere of a grayish, or dark ashy-black, deepest anter- 

 iorly; middle of breast behind and belly, under tail coverts, 

 first and second external tail feathers, white; third tail feather 

 white, margined with black. 



Length, 6.25 wing, 3. 



Habitat, North America at large. 



MELOSPIZA FASCIITA (Gmelin). (581.) 

 SONG SPARROW. 



Usually about the 15th of April, in 1869 as early as March 

 19th, upon visiting the borders of heavy timber lands bordered 

 with thickets and brush, I have been captivated by the song 

 of this beautiful singer, made most welcome by his long win- 

 ter's absence. It is easy, amid the grand chorus of bird-song 

 in May, to overlook this sweet songster, but never when we 

 first meet him under such circumstances. He seems to have 

 chosen his rostrum upon the very border of winter's receding 

 trail, from which he twitters, trills and rolls his wondrous 

 melodies into the very soul of advancing spring. The frosts 

 of early morning, those trembling jewels which flash back the 

 departing glories of the winter, seem to charge his every bone, 

 muscle and feather with the fulness of the inspiration of song, 

 which he pours at the feet of the new-born season. 



At this time small numbers associate in bands, but their 

 rival melodies soon awake the conjugal instinct and in a short 

 time mates are chosen and the summer's welcome task begun. 



The earliest nests I have found in process of construction 

 were begun in the first week in May, but I cannot divest 

 myself of the conviction that they will be found occasionally 

 much earlier than that in favorable seasons if diligent search 

 is made. 



