IN THE HEMLOCKS 59 
The warblers and smaller flycatchers are gener- 
ally the sufferers, though J sometimes see the slate- 
colored snowbird unconsciously duped in like man- 
ner; and the other day, in a tall tree in the woods, 
I discovered the black-throated green-backed warbler 
devoting itself to this dusky, overgrown foundling. 
An old farmer to whom I pointed out the fact was 
much surprised that such things should happen in 
his woods without his knowledge. 
These birds may be seen prowling through all 
parts of the woods at this season, watching for an 
opportunity to steal their egg into some nest. One 
day while sitting on a log I saw one moving by 
short flights through the trees and gradually near- 
ing the ground. Its movements were hurried and 
stealthy. About fifty yards from me it disappeared 
behind some low brush, and had evidently alighted 
upon the ground. 
After waiting a few moments I cautiously walked 
in the direction. When about half way I acciden- 
tally made a slight noise, when the bird flew up, 
and seeing me hurried off out of the woods, Ar- 
rived at the place, I found a simple nest of dry 
grass and leaves partially concealed under a pros- 
trate branch. I took it to be the nest of a sparrow. 
There were three eggs in the nest, and one lying 
about a foot below it as if it had been rolled out, as 
of course it had. It suggested the thought that 
perhaps, when the cowbird finds the full comple- 
ment of eggs in a nest, ib throws out one and de- 
posits its own instead. I revisited the nest a few 
