-49- 



found, it is an easy matter to identify by one 

 versed in snakes, 



The larg-est section of a skin that I can 

 learn of in a nest, was a piece nearly three 

 feet long-. These shed skins are very lig^ht, 

 therefore their weig-ht is no hindrance to the 

 birds. Someone has started a theory that 

 these birds select snake holes for nesting- and 

 that the skins are already there. This is not 

 reasonable, for if it were a fact then wrens, 

 bluebirds, and other nests of builders would, 

 also contain skins. Moreover, the Great- 

 crested Fly-catcher often selects situations to 

 which a snake could not climb. 



To what deep law this peculiarity in nest 

 construction is subservient, it will be difficult 

 to demonstrate, but that there is a reason for 

 this habit, is undoubted. 



The eg-gs, five or six in number, are among- 

 the most singular in markings. The ground 

 color is buff, and it is marked with lines of 

 purple and lilac. These marking-s look 

 exactly as if put on with a pen, and are 

 remarkable in their irreg-ularity. 



In late August, these birds disappear for 

 the south where they remain for the winter. 



Kalamazoo, Mich. 



