394 PIPIRY FLYCATCHER. 



the water, but with very singular care to place it on the western side of the 

 tree, or of the islet. I found it sometimes not more than two feet above 

 high water, and at other times twenty. It is composed externally of 

 light dry sticks, internally of a thin layer of slender grasses or fibrous 

 roots, and has some resemblance to that of the Carolina Pigeon in this 

 respect that, from beneath, I could easily see the eggs through it. These 

 were regularly four in all the nests that I saw, of a white colour, with 

 many dots towards the larger end. The young I have never seen, my 

 visit to those Keys having been in some measure abridged through lack 

 of provisions. 



On one of the Keys to which I went, although of small size, I saw 

 several nests, and at least a dozen of these birds all peaceably enjoying 

 themselves. The sexes present no external difference. According to re- 

 port, they retire from these islands about the beginning of November, 

 after which few land birds of any kind are seen on them. 



After I had arrived at Charlestown in South Carolina, on returning 

 from my expedition to the Floridas, a son of Paul Lee, Esq. a friend of 

 the Rev. John Bachman, called upon us, asserting that he had observed a 

 pair of Flycatchers in the College Yard, differing from all others with 

 which he was acquainted. We listened, but paid little regard to the in- 

 formation, and deferred our visit to the trees in the College Yard. A 

 week after, young Lee returned to the charge, urging us to go to the 

 place, and see both the birds and their nest. To please this amiable youth 

 Mr Bachman and I soon reached the spot ; but before we arrived the 

 nest had been destroyed by some boys. The birds were not to be seen, 

 but a Common King Bird happening to fly over us, we jeered our young 

 observer, and returned home. Soon after the Flycatchers formed another 

 nest, in which they reared a brood, when young Lee gave intimation to 

 Mr Bachman, who, on visiting the place, recognised them as of the 

 species described in this article. Of this I was apprised by letter after 

 I had left Charleston, for the purpose of visiting the northern parts of 

 the Union. The circumstance enforced upon me the propriety of never 

 suffering an opportunity of acquiring knowledge to pass, and of never 

 imagining for a moment that another may not know something that has 

 escaped your attention. 



Since that time, three years have elapsed. The birds have regularly 

 returned every spring to the College-yard, and have there reared, in 

 peace, two broods each season, having been admired and respected by the 



