Sbe Marbler 



59 



great number seen here, I have never yet observed an albino specimen, 

 though one frequently hears of 'white Crows being seen. I once possessed a 

 fine albino Crow that was sent to me from Missouri. 



The American Crow would rank as a very useful bird were it not for 

 the fact that he destroys vast quantities of eggs and young of small, useful 

 species. This sin, in my opinion, offsets all the good that the bird may do in 

 eating injurious insects and other vermin. 



Oven- Bird 



(Seiurzts aurocapillus) 



WHEREVER there is woodland in the vicinity of New York there the 

 Oven-Bird will be found. It is one of the most abundant birds of 

 Long Island, and its loud, ringing song may be heard at all times during 

 May and June. It is a persistent singer and the woods echo and re-echo 

 with its melody. This bird derives its name (Oven-Bird) from the peculiar- 

 ity of its nest which is oven-shaped. It is built on the ground, most careful- 

 ly concealed and roofed over, with an entrance at the side. There is no th- 

 ing to indicate its presence and one may step upon it without suspecting it. 



NEST AND EGGS OF THE OVEN-BIRD 



