MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT. 191 



me from under the leaves and twigs, with a mouth- 

 ful of worms. After hunting through the low 

 bushes for some time, I ferreted out some bird's 

 baby, a grayish mite with light wing bars, and 

 wavy shadowy markings across its breast. But it 

 was not until the next day that I had proof that 

 it belonged to my bird. While watching some 

 vireos in the bushes just in the edge of the clear- 

 ing, the mother suddenly appeared. Perking up 

 her tail and drooping her wings, she leaned over 

 so as to be able to see me, gave a few little ques- 

 tioning smacks, and then flew down into the bush 

 only a few feet from me, and fed the little bird 

 without fear. 



Fear seems to be an instinct, an inheritance 

 with her, but her own confidence is strong enough 

 to conquer it. Indeed, she is altogether sensible, 

 straightforward, industrious, and confiding a 

 captivating, motherly body. 



LXVII. 



MARYLAND YELLOW - THROAT ; BLACK - MASKED 

 GROUND WARBLER. 



IF your walks lead you through low under- 

 brush, weed-grown river banks, alder swamps, or 

 other rough, damp places, you will very likely no- 

 tice the loud, quick wJieS - che-tee, whee-che-tee, 

 whe&-che-tee that betrays the Maryland yellow- 



