SPIZELLA MONTICOLA I TREE SPARROW. 265 



remainder simply retreated to the deepest recesses of 

 the shrubbery, where, protected from the biting winds, 

 if not from the cold, they passed the winter, and to 

 all appearances very comfortably. I account for their 

 remaining at this inclement season, by the profusion 

 of seeds of various kinds that are to be obtained during 

 the whole winter ; certainly, those that I shot were in 

 good condition, and generally had the crop well filled. 

 Their seclusion and quietness at this season is remark- 

 able, and causes them to be in a great measure over- 

 looked. On several occasions, when the thermometer 

 was far below zero, the river frozen solid for two feet 

 deep, and snow on the ground, I have unexpectedly 

 come upon little groups of these birds, hiding away 

 close to the ground among and under a net-work of 

 vines and rank herbage, close enough to collect and 

 retain a mantle of snow. When startled at such times 

 they have a low, pleasant chirp as they flutter into 

 sight among the bushes, scattering a little, but only to 

 collect again and seek their snug retreat as soon as 

 left to themselves. Whether rendered careless by the 

 cold, or through a natural heedlessness, they are very 

 tame at such times ; they sit unconcernedly on the 

 twigs, it may be but a few feet distant, chirping cheer- 

 fully, with the plumage all loosened and puffy, making 

 very pretty "roly-poly" looking objects. There is a 

 particular kind of plant here, the seeds of which en- 

 dure all winter, furnishing a favorite repast. In a 

 clump of these tall weeds dozens of the birds may be 

 seen together, busily feeding. Some, more energetic, 

 spring up and cling to the swaying panicles, picking 

 away, while others gather about the stem, getting a 

 good dinner, without trouble, off the seeds that their 



