26 THE BIRDS ABOUT Us. 



Pembina, Dakota, Dr. Coues found fresh eggs on June 9, and in 

 Southern Colorado Mr. Henshaw took them on the igth. Except in 

 the far north, where its breeding is delayed until midsummer, it no 

 doubt brings up two broods in a season. Audubon and Wilson Flagg 

 speak of the nest s being built on mounds of sticks and grass, in the 

 darkest part of the woods, and say that it is made to resemble the 

 surrounding objects ; while Nuttall and others write that it sometimes 

 chooses bushes and low trees. These situations are exceptional, for 

 the nest is almost invariably placed unsupported upon the ground." 

 ERNEST INGERSOLL. 



Quite unlike the wood-thrush, while it is content to 

 stay all summer south of New England, it does not 

 sing as well as when farther north. It is rather mopish, 

 and if we had only those of the Middle States to con- 

 sider, it would not be considered a success. In its 

 habits generally the bird does not differ from the 

 others of its family. All are insect-eaters, and this 

 one fact should insure them freedom from all inter- 

 ference on our part. We hear at times of the de- 

 struction of fruit as a reason for persecution, but 

 reasoning with people that make such remarks is 

 useless. 



Still another, a smaller but more richly-colored 

 thrush, is the Hermit, or, as known northward, the 

 Swamp Robin. It is thought by very many that this 

 is our finest song-bird, and no praise bestowed by 

 enthusiastic admirers upon it has by others been con- 

 sidered excessive. Its song is not unlike that of the 

 wood-thrush, but richer, more flute-like and dreamy. 



There is one point in the consideration of these 

 brown, speckle-breasted thrushes, and that is that the 

 difference in vocal power among individuals is very 

 marked. While, comparing species with species, it is 



