432 WINTER WREN. 
lous cry was emitted. In a word, I had, the first time in my life, 
found the nest of our Winter Wren. Having gently forced the tenant 
from his premises, I drew out the eggs with a sort of scoop which I 
formed. I expected to find them numerous, but there were not more 
than six, and the same number I afterwards found in the only other 
nest of this species ever discovered by me. The little bird called upon 
its mate, and their united clamour induced me to determine upon 
leaving their treasures with them; but just as I was about going off, 
it struck me that I ought to take a description of the nest, as I might 
not again have such an opportunity. I hope, Reader, you will believe, 
that when I resolved to sacrifice this nest, it was quite as much on 
your account as my own. Externally it measured seven inches in 
length, four and a half in breadth ; the thickness of its walls, composed 
of moss and lichen, was nearly two inches; and thus it presented in- 
ternally the appearance of a narrow bag, the wall, however, being re- 
duced to a few lines where it was in contact with the bark of the tree. 
The lower half of the cavity was compactly lined with the fur of the 
American Hare, and in the bottom or bed of the nest there lay over 
this about half a dozen of the large downy abdominal feathers of our 
Common Grous, Tetrao Umbellus. The eggs were of a delicate blush- 
colour, somewhat resembling the paler leaves of a partially decayed 
rose, and marked with dots of reddish-brown, more numerous towards 
the larger end. 
The nest which I found near the Mohawk was discovered by mere 
accident. One day in the beginning of June, and about noon, feeling 
fatigued, I sat down on a rock overhanging the water, where, while 
resting, 1 might have the pleasure of watching the motions of some 
fishes in sight. The damp of the place produced a sudden chillness, 
and caused me to sneeze aloud, when from beneath my feet there flew 
off a Winter Wren. The nest, which I soon found, was attached to 
the lower parts of the rock, and presented the same form and structure 
as that already described ; but it was smaller, the eggs, six in number, 
contained young far advanced. 
The motions of this interesting bird are performed with great ra- 
pidity and decision. While searching for food it hops, creeps, and 
leaps about from one spot to another, as if it derived pleasure from 
exercise. At each movement it bends its breast downward, so as al- 
most to touch the object on which it stands, and by a sudden exten- 
