6 BULLETIN OF THE NUTTALL 



th6 woods, where, in some cases, the nest is phiced in the top of a 

 young hemlock ten or fifteen feet up. In one instance I found a 

 nest on a liorizontal spruce limb in the very heart of the forest, and 

 at least thiriy-five feet above the ground. This nest contained four 

 eggs, and the female bird, which was sitting, established its identity 

 beyond question. 



Composition of Nest. — The framework is wrought somewhat 

 loosely of fine twigs, those of the hcmhick being apparently pre- 

 ferred. Next comes a layer of coarse grass or dry weed-stalks ; 

 while the interior is lined invariably with fine black roots, which 

 closely resemble horse-hairs. In an examination of more than 

 thirty examples I have found not one in which these black roots 

 were not used. One specimen has, indeed, a few real horse-hairs in 

 the lining, but the roots predominate. This uniform coal-black 

 lining shows in strong contrast with the lighter aspect of the outer 

 surface of the nest. The whole structure is loosely put together, 

 and bears a no distant resemblance to the nest of the Chipping 

 Sparrow {Spisella sacialis). 



Among iiests of the Si/lvicolii!cp, it finds, perhaps, its nearest ap- 

 proach in that of the Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendrccca pennsyl- 

 vanica). 



Audabon, describing a nest from Labrador, affirms that it was 

 lined with " a great quantity of feathers." As regards this state- 

 ment, I can only say that it is entirely at variance with my own 

 observations, and the employment of feathers in a nest of this 

 character eeems to me almost as mal a propoa as it would in that of 

 a Heron or Cuckoo. 



J)es<rr{jJioii of Egrji, etc. — The time of laying with this species 

 varies, in rel.ation to the season, from Juno 8 to June 15. Four 

 eggs commonly constitute a set, though in some cases but three are 

 laid ; and 1 know of an instance where five were found in one nest. 

 They measure about .62 of an inch in length by .50 in breadth. 

 The iTBual shape is a rounded oval, and the ground-color almost 

 invariably creamy white after the renjoval of the contents. The 

 markings are most commonly blotches of rich, warm umber, with 

 smaUcr dottings of pale lilac or brown, disposed about the larger 

 end. Some specimens are, however, thickly sprinkled over their 

 entire surface with fine brownish spots. One set of four eggs differs 

 from any of the others in having a decided tinge of bluish in the 

 ground-color ; while upon the large patches of umber which en- 



