92 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 



8. Semrus noveboracensis, Nutt. — Water Thrush, 

 "Water Wagtail." Not uncommon during the migrations. 

 Have taken it from May 15th to 27th. It passes Massa- 

 chusetts in September. It is found in swampy thickets, 

 and on the edges of streams, ponds, and pools of water. 

 It is not very shy, and in its actions reminds one of a 

 Sandpiper. It may possibly breed here, but I have never 

 detected it during the summer months. It has, while 

 with us in spring, a singularly pleasing song. 



The Large-billed Water Thrush (Seiurics Liidovidamis, 

 Bonap.) ought to occur, as I have seen a specimen that was 

 taken by my friend, Mr. Allen, near Springfield. 

 • 9. Harporhynchus rufus. Cab. — Broivn Thrush, 

 "Thrasher," "Ferruginous Mocking-Bird." Common sum- 

 mer resident ; breeds abundantly ; nests on low bushes or 

 on the ground, — more frequently in the latter situation. 

 Arrives from April 23d to May 4th ; departs about the 

 1st of October. 



\ 10. Mimus Carolinensis, Gray. — Cat-Bird. One 

 of the most common and best known of all our birds ; also 

 very benefi.cial to the husbandman, in spite of the almost 

 universal prejudice against it. Breeds abundantly near 

 houses, in hedges, along the edges of woods, or in swampy 

 thickets. Arrives from April 29th to May 7th ; takes its 

 departure about the middle of October. 



11. Mimus polyglottus, BoiE. — Mocking-Bird. Has 

 been taken in the western part of the State. I have 

 never seen a specimen in this region, but Mr. N. Vickery 

 informs me that he has seen one that was taken some 

 years ago in Lynn. 



SAXICOLID.E, — The Rock-Inhabiters. 



12. Sialia sialis, Baird. Blue-Bird. — Common; 

 breeds abundantly in holes in trees or in martin-boxes. 



