IN THE HEMLOCKS. 69 



barely brush the log, so that the sound is produced 

 rather by the force of the blows upon the air and upon 

 his own body as in flying. One log will be used for 

 many years, though not by the same drummer. It 

 seems to be a sort of temple and held in great respect. 

 The bird always approaches on fot)t, and leaves it in 

 the same quiet manner, unless rudely disturbed. He 

 is very cunning, though his wit is not profound. It is 

 difficult to approach him by stealth ; you will try many 

 times before succeeding ; but seem to pass by him in 

 a great hurry, making all the noise possible, and with 

 plumage furled he stands as immovable as a knot, 

 allowing you a good view and a good shot, if you are a 

 sportsman. 



Passing along one of the old Barkpeelers' roads 

 which wander aimlessly about, I am attracted by a 

 singularly brilliant and emphatic warble, proceeding 

 from the low bushes, and quickly suggesting the voice 

 of the Maryland yellow-throat. Presently the singer 

 hops up on a dry twig, and gives me a good view. 

 Lead-colored head and neck, becoming nearly black on 

 the breast ; clear olive-green back, and yellow belly. 

 From his habit of keeping near the ground, even hop- 

 ping upon it occasionally, I know him to be a ground- 

 warbler ; from his dark breast the ornithologist has 

 added the expletive mourning, hence the mourning 

 ground-warbler. 



Of this bird both Wilson and Audubon confessed 

 their comparative ignorance, neither ever having seen 



