272 THE INVITATION. 



We have nearly or quite a dozen varieties 

 of the sparrow in the Atlantic States, but 

 perhaps no more than half that number 

 would be discriminated by the unprofes- 

 sional observer. The song-sparrow, which 

 every child knows, comes first ; at least, his 

 voice is first heard. And can there be any- 

 thing more fresh and pleasing than this first 

 simple strain, heard from the garden fence 

 or a near hedge, on some bright, still March 

 morning ? 



The field, or vesper-sparrow, called also 

 grass-finch, and bay-winged sparrow, a bird 

 slightly larger than the song-sparrow, and of 

 a lighter gray color, is abundant in all our 

 upland fields and pastures, and is a very 

 sweet songster. It builds upon the ground, 

 without the slightest cover or protection, 

 and also roosts there. Walking through the 

 fields, at dusk, I frequently start them up 

 almost beneath my feet. When disturbed by 

 day they fly with a quick, sharp movement, 

 showing two white quills in the tail. The 

 traveller along the country roads disturbs 

 them earthing their wings in the soft, dry 

 earth, or sees them skulking and flitting 

 along the fences in front of him. They run 

 in the furrow in advance of the team, or 



