64 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
brother, it arrives in pairs, and never with the show and pomp of a large 
army. The tardiness of vegetation, and the paucity of insect life incident 
thereto, have doubtless much to do with the time and manner of its 
coming. In the Middle States this event happens during the last week of 
April, and in New England about the fifteenth, but the birds do not 
seem to become very abundant in the latter section until the beginning 
of May. 
The Field and Song Sparrows, near relatives, are much earlier comers, 
and are already in full song, making the groves and fields vocal with 
praises, long before the Chippy has made his appearance. But when the 
latter does arrive, we must look for his presence in our gardens and 
orchards, rather than along the borders of thickets, where he commends 
himself to our favor and esteem by his tameness and sociability. About 
our doorsides he loves to glean his fare, and when an opportunity offers, 
will often enter our houses during meal-times. So accustomed to man 
does the species become, that individuals have been known to present 
themselves regularly for food, as often as thrice a day, and even to accept 
the same from human hands. 
The male is so absorbed in feeding during the first ten days of his 
stay that no attempt at singing is made. His only note then is a simple 
chip, indicative of unrest. This is slowly uttered, and at somewhat meas- 
ured intervals. But later, he essays a song, and throughout the month of 
roses, his unpretending ditty, which consists of a rej^etition of the same 
sound, is kept up for hours together with scarce an intermission. Though 
poor his reputation as a singer, yet individuals have actually been known 
to sing, and very sweetly, too, but such cases are wholly exceptional, 
et lusus naturce. Mr. Flagg, in speaking of the male, says, “ He seems to 
be the sentinel Avhom Nature has apj^ointed to watch for the first glim- 
merings of dawn, which he always faithfully announces before any other 
bird is awake. Two or three strains from his octave pipe are the signal 
for a general awaking of the birds, and one by one they join the song, 
until the whole air resounds with an harmonious medley of voices.” Again, 
