ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 89 



II. On the Breeding Habits, previously unknown, of two Species of 

 North American Birds. 



Embernagra rufivirgata, Lawr. This little-known speciea is quite 

 abundant in the vicinity of Fort Brown, Texas. During the past season I 

 searched in vain for its nest on the ground, where it seemed almost certain 

 it would be found, on account of its eminently terrestrial habits. No nest 

 was taken, however, until August 5, when one was found within the limits 

 of the fort, placed on a sapling about four feet from the ground ; it con- 

 tained two eggs. On returning two days later, the female was obtained aa 

 she left the nest, to which a third egg had been added. Dissection showed 

 that no more would have been laid. The domed nest was neatly con- 

 structed of fine twigs and straws, the more delicate ones being used for the 

 lining. The eggs are pure white, and are large for the size of the bird, 

 averaging .90 by .66 of an inch. 



On September 7 a second nest was found, in all respects like the first, 

 except that it was lined with hair ; the two eggs were but slightly incu- 

 bated, and do not differ from those first found. 



Xanthura incas var. luxuosa, Bon. My first nest of this species 

 was taken on the 27th of May, while in camp near Edinburgh (now 

 Hidalgo), Texas, about seventy miles above Fort Brown, on the Rio 

 Grande. It was placed on the horizontal branch of a waican-tree, about 

 twenty-five feet from the ground, and was built of twigs and rootlets ; 

 the cavity was slight, and the entire structure so thin that the eggs could 

 be seen through the bottom. These were three in number, and were quite 

 fresh. The ground-color is a grayish-white, thickly spotted with brown 

 and pale lilac, especially at the larger end ; they average 1.11 by .82 inches. 

 A second nest, found in the same vicinity May 8, was on a sapling seven 

 feet from the ground ; it closely resembled the first one, and contained 

 four eggs, three far advanced in incubation ; the fourth, which also differed 

 in having the markings most numerous at the smaller end, was quite 

 fresh. These eggs are shorter than the first set, averaging 1.01 by .80 ; 

 in other respects they are much alike. During the latter part of the same 

 month I found two more nests of this handsome bird ; they resembled the 

 others in situation and construction, but I was obliged to leave before eggs 

 were deposited in either. 



BIRDS OF NEW ENGLAND. 



BY THOMAS M. BREWER. 



My attention has been called to the paper in the September 

 "Bulletin" signed " H. A. P.," and I notice with surprise certain 



