178 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
While more especially abundant in maritime regions, it is, however, 
more general in tracts remote therefrom than has been commonly supposed. 
So that instead of the whole vast army betaking themselves to the thousand 
miles stretching along the Atlantic, many from the Gulf in the South, may 
be seen, when the tide of migration has set in, wending their ways in 
small parties along the vast central artery of our land to the distant valley 
of the Missouri, and elsewhere. Towards the setting sun, another current 
takes its northward course, but spends its strength on the mild, equable 
shores of California before any considerable elevation is attained. 
Whence come these birds? This is a question that is often asked, 
but most difficult of solution. That they winter beyond the borders of 
the United States there can be no doubt. After quitting our shores, it is 
highly probable they seek the tropical realms of Central America, or the 
breezy isles of the Larger Antilles. 
But wherever they go, there they remain until the snows of their 
northern homes have disappeared. So delicate and susceptible to cold are 
they that even along our Southern sea-bordering States, where the felicitous 
change first manifests itself, they delay their visit until the early days of 
April are come. But it is not until this delightful month of the year has 
stepped aside to welcome her smiling sister, that the cooler shores of New 
Jersey are reached. From this latitude they pursue their journey to the 
extreme limits of their habitat. 
After a little they settle down to the very important business which 
has inspired the journey. The twenty-fifth of May, or the beginning of 
the month sacred to Juno, marks the love-season, which is of short contin- 
uance. Having accomplished their loves and selected partners, the sexes 
now turn their attention to household matters. The first thing to be done 
is the selection of a spot and the preparation of a home. This part of 
the business pertains exclusively to the female, and, seemingly, is account- 
ed of trifling moment. Like most of her terrestrial, and many of her 
aquatic neighbors, she does not build a house, but on the pebbly shingle 
