OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. §7 



and ordinarily partially constructed of the sedges 

 among which it is placed. So far his description 

 agrees substantially with our experience. 



In a criticism of Audubon's description, Dr. 

 Brewer says, "in the localities in which they" 

 {T. palustris) "breed near the coast, being subject 

 to irregular heights of tides, it could not be done 

 with safety." 



With no wish to dispute the truth of this last 

 statement, coming as it does from such high 

 authority, our plea for so doing as necessitated by 

 facts, is an earnest desire that truth and jus- 

 tice shall prevail. 



Our experience confirms Audubon's published 

 statement. As nidificating habits vary in particu- 

 lar localities, in correspondence with surrounding 

 conditions, this fact will, doubtless, reconcile the 

 two statements. It seems to us that irregularities 

 in tidal elevation cannot materially affect nidifica- 

 tion. The nests which we have examined were 

 mostly built in tussocks of sedges, at elevations 

 varying from two to two and a half feet, and 

 thickly and compactly made of interwoven 

 grasses, with a dense lining of feathers, almost 

 proof against the permeation of water. 



Before us is a fabric which was built in a tus- 

 sock of sedges, at an elevation of two feet above 

 the marshy ground. It was completely enveloped 

 by sedges, many of which were woven into its 

 structure. In shape, it resembles a cocoanut, and 

 is nearly of the size of a fair specimen. The 



