94 J^BSTS AND EGGS OF BIRDS. 



wings, at the last instant, and gently alights, or skims along a 

 short distance over the prairie to drop down perhaps on the 

 very spot from which the ascent was made. I have seen them 

 soaring thus as early as February lo. 



This letter is compiled from notes, and is as near an accurate 

 account of the breeding of the horned lark in this vicinity, as 

 observed by my father and myself, as I can make it. 

 Hoping that the facts may be of service to you, I am, 

 Yours respectfully, 



Thomas S. Roberts. 



[PI. VIII, Fig. 53.] 



64. THE YELLO^W WAGTAIL. 



BUDYTES FLAVA iD.)Cuv. 



This bird, a common species of the Old World, was added to 

 the North American fauna, in 1866, by its discoveiy in Alaska. 

 Many years ago, Dr. Edward Adams found the bird common 

 at Michelaski. He first met with them on June 5, and took 

 their nests on the 12th. Mr. Bannister has seen them breed- 

 ing in the vicinity of St. Michael's, Norton sound, but I am 

 not aware that he has published any narrative of their habits. 

 To compile an account of their nidification in Europe, beyond 

 stating the mere fact that they nestle on the ground, is unnec- 

 essary. Furthermore, they may be found to differ materially 

 on this side of the ocean. 



65. THE TITLARK. 

 ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS {Gm.^Lickt. 



The titlark wanders over the whole co7itinent from Guate- 

 mala to Greenland. We are familiar with its winter appear- 

 ance, but of its habits in summer and particularly its nesting, 

 we are not so well informed. Except among the snow-fields 

 on the summits of the mountains of the west, where elevation 



