WARBLERS. 109 



that in different sections of the country birds show preference 

 for different kinds of land, and often vary their habits to an 

 extent that is surprising, and even confusing. Finally come 

 those variations in coloration, caused by climate, which have 

 occasioned so much discussion as to species and varieties. 

 All this shows that properly one man ought not to write the 

 natural history of other than a small tract of country, and 

 that, before the habits of our birds can be thoroughly known, 

 it will be necessary to station competent naturalists, who can 

 devote their whole time to making observations and accurately 

 noting them, at various points in the regions of the different 

 faunce, and all of whom shall work under a system and a 

 superintendence. This plan is not at present a feasible one, 

 but the advantages of it would be numerous, for the flights 

 of birds (particularly should ornithologists be stationed near 

 meteorological observation-posts) could be foretold with con- 

 siderable accuracy to sportsmen and other ornithologists, 

 who are already, however, by far too destructive. 



d. The ordinary notes of the Chestnut-sided Warbler are 

 a soft tsip, a louder and harsher tsip, uttered in a peculiar tone, 

 and much like that of the Black and White " Creeper," and 

 a rather loud chip. Mr. Samuels speaks of their having, " at 

 times, a rattling cry something like the alarm-note of the 

 Maryland Yellow-throat." Their song is attractive and mu- 

 sical, though containing but a few simple notes. One variation 

 resembles the syllables wee-see-wee-see-wee-see (each of which is 

 higher than the preceding, except the sixth, which is lower 

 than the fifth). The other common variation is almost exactly 

 like the song of the little Yellowbird (-4), and consequently 

 like that of various other Warblers. 



D. CASTANEA. Bay-breasted Warbler. (Autumnal 



Warbler ? ) Through eastern Massachusetts a rare migrant.* 



a. About 5^ inches long. Back, light ashy yellow, black- 



* A late spring and early autumn has been found breeding among the 



migrant through southern New Eng- White Mountains and at several other 



land, varying greatly in numbers in dif- localities in northern New England. 



f erent years, but seldom very common, W. B. 

 at least in eastern Massachusetts. It 



