186 A WOODLAND COASTER. 



eight eggs are found in each nest. The ground 

 color of the eggs is white or creamy-white, speckled 

 with reddish-brown, chiefly around the larger end, 

 often in the form of a wreath. 



During the past winter (1890-91) the creeper 

 has been one of the most cheerful companions of 

 my loiterings in the woods. When the wind blew 

 in biting gusts from the west, he found a warm 

 and sheltered creeping-place on the eastern sides 

 of the tree-trunks. Sometimes, however, when the 

 wind caught his plumage at the right angle, and. 

 lifted his feathers, he looked like a little tatterde- 

 malion as he slipped up his arboreal wall. One 

 cannot help rejoicing at the advent of spring, be- 

 cause it brings so many birds back to their old 

 haunts ; but I am always loath to bid adieu to my 

 delightful little friend of the mottled garb, for at 

 that season he takes his leave for more northern 

 latitudes. 



