that I did not know it. Cautiously stepping backward until I could shoot it with- 

 out destroying it, I was enabled to secure it. It is probable that investigation will 

 prove that it is more common and perhaps breeds in the northern counties. 



Subgenus AMMODRAMUS Swainson. 

 202. Ammodramus caudacutus nelsoni Allen. NELSON'S SPARROW. 



Doubtless a summer resident in the northwestern counties of tLe State, 

 from which portion only I have heard of it. It frequents the marshes and is hard 

 to observe. September 25, 1875, Mr. H. K. Coale notes, "we saw about a dozen 

 Sharptail Finches (A. nelsoni)] they were in the grass along Berry Lake" (Lake 

 County). Dr. A. W. Brayton informs me that he has taken the species in Lake 

 County. Information concerning this species from Indiana is very desirable. 



GENUS CHONDESTES SWAINSON. 

 ^OS. Chondestes grammacus (6'aj/.). LARK SPARROW. 



Rather common summer resident. Breeds. This bird is a comparatively re- 

 cent introduction to our fauna, having been first recognized in Franklin County, 

 about 1877. Not many years ago it was unknown this far east, at least this was 



Head of Lark Sparrow, nat. size. 



the case in southeastern Indiana. A few years since it was rare, but each year it is 

 becoming more numerous. They delight to spend much of their time along some 

 dusty road, flying up ahead of the passing traveler and exhibiting their decided 

 markings and rounded tail, each feather so beautifully tipped with white, so that 

 the observing person may readily recognize the species. They arrive in flocks late 

 in April and early in May, and, after rearing their young, collect in flocks in 

 August and begin their southern pilgrimage. 



GENUS ZONOTRICHIA SWAINSON. 



Head of White-crowned Sparrow, nat. size. 



Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forst.). WHITE-CROWXED SPARROW; " PEABODY BIRD." 

 Common migrant. Very noticeable late in April and early in May. I al- 

 ways associate this beautiful bird with the fragrance of apple blossoms, for 



