438 WINTER WREN. 
in building we never observed another Wren in his company. In the 
choice of the materials, as well as in the situation of the nest, there 
was something exceedingly curious. Though the bottom and sides of 
the garden were enclosed by a thick hedge, in which he could have 
built in perfect security, and where; from the vicinity of the stables, 
abundance of fresh materials could have been easily obtained, yet the 
old thatch and the hedge at the head of the garden were preferred. 
This part of the hedge was young and thin, and separated from the 
buildings by a narrow path, which was constantly frequented by the 
servants of the establishment. Interruptions from this source, how- 
ever, he did not seem to mind, for though often driven from his task 
he returned the next moment with as much confidence as if he had 
never been disturbed. Even when his nest was destroyed by the 
wantonness of a stranger, he did not abandon the place, but continued 
to carry straws from the old thatch with as much diligence as before. 
From the extreme caution, however, which he subsequently displayed, 
and the circuitous routes which he took, I never could discover the 
spot which he selected for his second nest.” 
The Winter Wren so closely resembles the European Wren, that 
I was long persuaded of their identity; but a careful comparison of a 
great number of specimens, has convinced me that permanent differen- 
: 
ces in colouring may be pointed out, although still, I am not by any a 
means persuaded that they are specifically different. j 
TroctopytEs Hyermatis, Viceill. Encycl. Meth., ii. p. 470. 
TRroGLopyTEs EUROP£US, Ch. Bonaparte, Synopsis of Birds of United States, p. 93. 
WINTER WREN, Sytvia TroctoprTeEs, Wils. Amer. Ornith. vol. i. p, 139, pl. 8, 
fig. 6. ; 
TroetopytTEs Hyemaris, WINTER WREN, Richards. and Swains. Fauna Bor.- 
Amer. vol. ii. p. 318. 
Winter Wren, Wutiall, Manual, vol. i. p. 427. 
Adult Male. Plate CCCLX: Fig 1. j 
Bill rather long, slender, tapering, acute, nearly straight, subtrigo- 
nal at the base, compressed towards the end. Upper mandible with 
the dorsal outline slightly arched, the ridge narrow, the sides sloping 
at the base, towards the end slightly convex and erect, the edges sharp, 
direct, without note; lower mandible with the angle narrow and ra- 
