76 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



those of man, but the majority still linger in the "old 

 beaten ruts of habit." It is probable as the en- 

 croachment of civilization still advances, and sylvan 

 scenes- become transformed into fertile fields, the 

 species will embrace the altered conditions, and by 

 frequent intercourses with the " lords of creation," 

 learn to regard them in the same light as the little 

 House Wfen which is the veity impersonation of 

 sociability. 



As before remarked, the Mocking Wren's nest 

 is ordinarily placed within hollow trees and 

 stumps, and occasionally in open situations, with 

 no other covering than what the foliar appendages 

 of bushes can give. When a cavity is chosen 

 which does not secure therequisite protection and 

 immunity from inclement weather and excessive 

 heat, an artificial covering is appended. 



The eggs are usually 6 or 7 in number, and 

 vary in dimensions and configuration. They are 

 spheroidal-oval in shape, and measure .75 to .70 of 

 an inch in length; the greatest breadth being .60 

 to .65. The ground-color is reddish-white with 

 blotches of purple and reddish-brown, thickly- and 

 pretty equally diffused over the out«r surface. 



Troglodytes cedon, Vieill. 



This bold and venturesome little creature 

 arrives in our midst during the early part of May. 

 At this time it is mostly paired. Whether it leaves 

 its southern habitat already mated, we cannot say 

 with certainty. From evidences of a reliable 



