* 
140 Mr. Peabody on the 
The ManyxLAND Yrrrow-rHnoaT, Sylvia trichas,. 
is one of our most common birds, found among the 
alders of almost every brook, from the beginning of 
May till the leaves fall. It is quiet, humble, and 
never ambitious to be seen ; still it shows no distrust 
nor fear of those who visit its retreats in shady hol- 
lows, except when they go so near the nest as to 
create apprehensions for its young. Its song is 
simple, pleasant, and suited to the places where it 
resides. 
These birds commence building their nest in May. 
It is in thickets, on or near the ground, among dry 
leaves, brush or withered grass, which may protect 
it from observation. It is made of dry sedge grass 
and leaves, with a lining of fine bent grass. The 
eggs are about five, of a soft white, with specks, 
blotches, and sometimes lines of brown, chiefly 
toward the larger end. At the close of July the male 
ceases to sing, and the old and young rove about in 
parties till the season warns them to depart. 
The Movrnine Warster, Sylvia Philadelphia; 
is a rare species, but Dr. Brewer assures me that he 
has seen it here in summer. Very little is known 
of its habits, and I believe, nothing whatever of its 
nest. Sylvia agilis is now believed to be the yours 
of this bird. Prince Bonaparte believed that the 
mourning warbler would turn out to be an accidental 
variety of the species just described. It is said, how” 
ever, to be quite different in its song. 
The WinLow Wren, Sylvia trochilus, is the same 
