BIRDS OF IVIUTUT. 37 



roll several large stones away in order to get at the nests. 

 One nest had been used for one or more years previously. 

 It was very large, and the outside consisted of a mass of 

 damp moss and portions of plants, as well as some feathers. 

 Within this came a Layer half an inch thick, made of straw 

 and a few tufts of fox-hair; but the innermost part consisted 

 of white Ptarmigan feathers, one Raven's feather, and a few 

 fox-hairs. 



The males were usually very anxious about their nests, 

 and often uttered an agreeable and clear but melancholy 

 note ; but the mothers were generally very trustful, and 

 often flew with insects into their nests while I stood by and 

 looked on. 



During the hatching-season, they live in pairs for a couple 

 of weeks before they lay their eggs. In July and August 

 the young are often seen in flocks about the houses. 



It is chiefly in April, while the country is still covered 

 with snow, that their glorious song is most appreciated. It 

 consists of loud and clear flute-notes combined into short 

 stanzas, but has no definite melody. The birds sing fre- 

 quently while sitting on an elevation, but seldom on the 

 wing. 



LAPLAND LONG-SPUR. 



CALCAEIUS LAPPONICTTS. 



The least common of our songsters. In 1886 it was first 

 seen May 24. In 1887 the first was seen on May 22 ; the 

 last on August 30. In 1888 the first was seen on May 20, 

 and the birds were common on the 23d of May. The last 

 was seen on the 30th of August. 



It is only found in damp places covered with grass and 

 scattered bushes ; and I never observed it higher than two 

 hundred feet above sea-level. 



