FINCHES. 223 



the case when it is on the ground. Each set of eggs, two sets 

 being often laid in a season, of which the first appears here in 

 the last week of May, consists of four or five eggs, which 

 average about .70 X -SO of an inch, and are white (gray- 

 tinged), with scattered spots of light, almost flesh-colored, red- 

 dish brown, which rarely are so confluent as nearly to conceal 

 the ground-color. 



c. The Field Sparrows, though quite common here in sum- 

 mer, are not so generally well known as they deserve to be. 

 Though found in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, yet 

 Massachusetts is the most northern of the New England 

 States in which they are common. In spring they come to 

 the neighborhood of Boston in the latter part of April, at 

 about the same time as the Chipping Sparrows, like them not 

 collecting in flocks at this season ; and about the middle of" 

 May they begin to build their nests. Their usual haunts, in 

 summer, are pastures, fields (rather seldom those near 

 swamps), and the "scrub." In these places they feed upon 

 seeds and caterpillars, and occasionally, to obtain the former, 

 venture to the roads and roadsides. But they are habitually 

 much less familiar towards man than their near relations, the 

 well-known Chipping Sparrows, and lead a more retired life. 

 In September they collect in flocks, and leave us before 

 October is far advanced.* At this time they are bolder than 

 before, and associate somewhat with other species — especially 

 the " Chippers " ; feeding on the roadsides, and in pastures, 

 stubble-fields, and vegetable-gardens. Their powers of flight 

 are not great, though they are quite nimble on the ground, 

 and they do not ordinarily perch at a greater height than on 

 fences or bushes. When frightened, they often disappear 

 into shrubbery ; but the female, when on her nest, is often 

 courageous, and permits a near approach. 



d. As has just been said, the Field Sparrows occasion- 

 ally remain on their nests (particularly when these are in 



* This is a, mistake, for they regni- into Novemher. There is one well 

 larly remain through Octoher and are authenticated instance of the winter- 

 usually numerous up to about the 25th ing of the species near Boston, — W. B. 

 of that month, while a, tev linger on 



