IN THE HEMLOCKS 65 
which wander aimlessly about, I am attracted by a 
singularly brilliant and emphatic warble, proceeding 
from the low bushes, and quickly suggesting the 
voice of the Maryland yellow-throat. Presently the 
singer hops up on a dry twig, and gives me a good 
view. lLead-colored head and neck, becoming nearly 
black on the breast; clear olive-green back, and 
yellow belly. From his habit of keeping near the 
ground, even hopping upon it occasionally, I know 
him to be a ground warbler; from his dark breast 
the ornithologist has added the expletive mourning, 
hence the mourning ground warbler. 
Of this bird both Wilson and Audubon confessed 
their comparative ignorance, neither ever having 
seen its nest or become acquainted with its haunts 
and general habits. Its song is quite striking and 
novel, though its voice at once suggests the class of 
warblers to which it belongs. It is very shy and 
wary, flying but a few feet at a time, and studiously 
concealing itself from your view. I discover but 
one pair here. The female has food in her beak, 
but carefully avoids betraying the locality of her 
nest. The ground warblers all have one notable 
. feature, — very beautiful legs, as white and delicate 
as if they had always worn silk stockings and satin 
slippers. High tree warblers have dark brown or 
black legs and more brilliant plumage, but less 
musical ability. 
The chestnut-sided belongs to’the latter class. 
He is quite common in these woods, as in all the 
woods about. He is one of the rarest and hand- 
