IX THE HEMLOCKS. 77 



an a rock, which becomes resonant beneath his fer- 

 vent blows. Who has seen the partridge drum ? It 

 is the next thing to catching a weasel asleep, though 

 by much caution and tact it may be done. He doea 

 not hug the log, but stands very erect, expands his 

 ruff, gives two introductory blows, pauses half a sec- 

 ond, and then resumes, striking faster and faster till 

 the sound becomes a continuous, unbroken whir, tl:c 

 whole lasting less than half a minute. The tips of 

 his wings 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 

 foot, 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 succeed- 

 ing ; but seem to pass by him in a great hurry, mak- 

 ing all the noise possible, and with plumage furled 

 he stands as immovable as a knot, allowing you ? 

 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 

 n the breast ; clear olive-green back, and yellow 



