.59 x .76 to .67 x .89. Five eggs, selected on account of their different sizes, measure as follows: .67 x .89, 

 .68 x .87, .62 x .80, .63 x .85, .59 x .76. The ground-color of the shell is white, with just the faintest creamy 

 tint, and is marked with spots, dots, speckles, and lines, which are sometimes circular, sometimes wavy, 

 and sometimes zigzag. The color of the marks is very dark brown, so dark as to be almost black when 

 heavily laid on. When beneath the surface they appear lavender. One egg in my collection is marked at 

 the base with a wreath, about one-eighth of an inch wide, of fine, wavy, circular lines, superimposed upon 

 similar but coarser deep shell-marks. Another is similarly marked, but with much broader and bolder 

 lines, and also a few spots near its point. Another is marked at its base with large confluent spots, and 

 a few short, wavy lines. Another is sparingly marked from point to base with curved lines, confluent 

 and isolated spots and minute speckles, about half of which marks are beneath the surface. Another has 

 the appearance of having a soiled-white ground, on account of innumerable deep shell-speckles, and faint, 

 fine, surface marks, and besides these, are a few bold marks about the base. Another is immaculate, 

 except two fine, short, surface lines, and some very faint, deep shell-marks at its base. Another is marked 

 solely with spots and speckles, chiefly about the base. 



From the above descriptions it will be seen that there is considerable latitude in the method of 

 marking; the most constant feature being the wreath of lines about the base. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 



The nest and eggs together can easily be identified, from the position, materials, and size of the nest 

 and the size and markings of the eggs; but it is much more difficult to identify each separately. In 

 fact the nest alone can not be recognized with certainty from that of the Bay-winged Bunting, and of 

 several other Sparrows which build on the ground, although the measurements and materials of the nest 

 under consideration are on the average somewhat different, as will be seen by reference to the text. The 

 eggs have a resemblance to those of the Baltimore Oriole at times, and with exceptional eggs of each, 

 identification may be impossible. Ordinarily, however, the size and markings will identify them. 



REMARKS : 



The illustration, Plate LV, represents a nest and eggs of the Lark Finch, found May 20th, 1884. 

 It was situated on a hillside in a clover field, in a slight natural concavity, near the foot-stalks of 

 red clover. While driving along a country road on the day mentioned above, I noticed a pair of 

 Lark Finches on the fence, and after I had passed by they flew about a hundred yards and dropped into 

 a clover field. I at once got out and went to the spot, but the birds were not there. I took a few steps 

 to the right, and they then both arose some distance ahead. Instead of flying away, the female hovered 

 over me, and also attempted to draw me from the spot by feigning lameness. After a few r minutes 

 search I discovered her nest. Near this same place, on June the first, following, I found another nest 

 containing two young birds. When frightened from her nest, the female Lark Finch generally runs a 

 few yards before taking wing, after the manner of the Bobolink. This trick makes it hard to determine 

 just where the treasure is. 



Different from other Sparrows, the Lark Finch runs instead of hops, and it is not uncommon to 

 see a number running along the road like Quail. Early in May and in late summer, they are in flocks, 

 and frequent fields and roadsides. 



The three eggs figured out of the nest represent the common sizes, shapes, and markings. 



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