Though the same species generally chooses nearly the same 

 situation for its nest, no certain dependence can be placed 

 upon the fact ; and of this a curious instance has occurred to 

 me, since describing, in a former number, the nest, &c. of 

 the Yellow Hammer, a bird which generally breeds near the 

 ground, but, contrary to its usual habit, I found a nest and 

 eggs in a fir tree, at an elevation of about six feet — strongly 

 exemplifying a remark made to me by Mr. Yarrell, that as 

 the Buntings become more nearly allied to the Larks by the 

 length of their hind claws, so they likewise resemble them in 

 their habit of building on the ground. Of this, the Common 

 Bunting (Emberiza miliaria) and Snow Bunting, both of which 

 have the claw produced, are instances ; the former very rarely, 

 the latter I believe never, raising its nest above the ground. 



The kindness of Mr. Yarrell has enabled me to figure the 

 two rare eggs in the accompanying plate, together with many 

 others which will occur throughout the work, some of which 

 could only be obtained from his rich cabinet, the contents of 

 which he has with the greatest liberality offered for my use. 



