OF NEW ENGLAND. 77 
“except when on the wing.*! Both this and the Carolina wren 
are exceedingly:quick in their movements, and if they are watch- 
ing the collector when he is about to shoot at them, they are 
pretty sure to dodge the charge; although he finds the bushes 
and foliage where the bird sat riddled by the shot, he usually 
searches in vain for the specimen he is sure he ought to have 
killed. When approached in old grassy fields or pine openings, 
they will allow one to almost trcad on them before attempting 
to get away, and then, instead of taking to wing, often seek 
to escape by running off like a mouse beneath the grass. The 
term ‘“‘ house” wren, usually applied to this bird, is decidedly a 
misnomer, since it frequents the fields, the thickets, and even 
the forest, as much as the vicinity of houses. In the wilds of 
Florida, where human habitations are few, there is nothing 
whatever in its habits to suggest this name.” 
Other instances might be citéd to show how very injudic- 
iously names have often been bestowed upon birds, more so 
than in the present case, with which there is but little fault to 
find. Particularly should be condemned the practice of naming 
species after the place where they were first captured, for the 
title may afterwards become utterly inappropriate. 
(ad). The House Wrens have a chirp not unlike that of an 
insect, a peculiar chatter, and a charming song, which cannot 
be satisfactorily described, as is the case with the music of 
most other birds. This song consists of a few loud and 
sprightly notes, followed by a loud and very characteristic 
trill, which is its most prominent feature. It may often be 
heard in the summer and in May. 
JI. CISTOTHORUS 
(A) stetuaris. Short-billed Marsh Wren. Meadow Wren. 
(In New England, a rather rare summer-resident, found only 
in the warmer parts.) 
(a). About 44 inches long. Below, white. Breast and sides 
21J have here taken the liberty of very slightly altering the text, without chang- 
ing its meaning, that it might better accord with my own. 
