366 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



locality is generally a meadow or low field. We 

 have as often found the nest on upland in a field 

 of red clover, or one of timothy grass. In such 

 situations it reposes in a concavity of the earth, 

 partially hidden and protected by enveloping and 

 over-arching grasses. Nuttall's description thereof, 

 though correct in his day, according to our expe- 

 rience, needs some modification. As the nest of 

 the same species varies somewhat with change of 

 locality, this difference doubtless can be attributed 

 thereto. According to that eminent authority "it 

 is compact, made of wiry grass, to which a hidden 

 and almost winding path is made, and generally so 

 well concealed that the nest is only to be found 

 when the bird is flushed." We have always 

 observed a looseness of arrangement in the struc- 

 ture. The nest is built externally of the hollow 

 stems and leaves of Phleinn pratense which are 

 accumulated in the bottom to insure protection 

 from the dampness of the ground. The period of 

 nidification is about four clays. The labor of 

 building is mutually shared by both sexes. Ovipo- 

 sition commences on the clay succeeding the com- 

 pletion of the nest, and lasts from four to five days, 

 according to the number of eggs laid, which is at 

 the rate of one egg per day. Incubation occurs 

 sometimes on the day of the last* deposit, but 

 most generally on the ensuing day, and lasts from 

 14 to 15 days, according to several observations. 

 The duty devolves exclusively upon the female, 

 while the male bird contributes to her maintenance. 



