PROTHONOTARY SWAMP- WARBLER. 89 



The American Poke-weed. 



Phytolacca decandra, Willd. Sp. PI., vol. i. p. 322. Pursch, Fl. Amer., vol. i. p. 324. 

 — Decandria Decagynia, Linn.— Atriplices, Jitss. 



This species is distinguished by its elliptico-lanceolate leaves, and de- 

 candrous flowers, the other species differing in the number of stamina and 

 one of them being dioecious. The berries, which are nearly globular, are 

 disposed in an elongated, pendulous raceme, and are of a purplish-black 

 colour. The flowers are white, their peduncles, partial and general, of a 

 bright carmine-purple colour. 



PROTHONOTARY SWAMP-WARBLER. 



-MIelinaia Protonotarius, Lath. 

 PLATE CVI Male and Young. 



I never saw this pretty bird in any of our eastern districts, and rarely 

 farther up the Ohio than Louisville, in the neighbourhood of which place it 

 rears its young. Louisiana seems in fact better suited to its habits than any 

 other state, on account of its numerous lakes, creeks and lagoons, over- 

 shadowed by large trees, which are favourite places of resort for this species. 

 It is fond of flying over the waters of these creeks and lagoons, and is seldom 

 seen in the interior of the woods. Its flight is rapid, and more steady than 

 is usual in birds of its genus; and as it moves along, the brightness of its 

 colours attracts the eye. On alighting, it moves rapidly along the twigs, 

 partly sidewise, frequently turning about and extending its neck to look 

 under the leaves, from which it picks various kinds of insects. It often 

 perches upon the rank grasses and water plants, in quest of minute mol- 

 luscous animals which creep upon them, and which, together with small land 

 snails, I have found in its stomach. It does not perform sorties, or sally 

 forth after flying insects, as many other Warblers are in the habit of doing. 

 It has a few notes for its song, which possess no interest. The males, when 

 chasing each other, keep up a creaking noise, until the little battle is over, 

 when they perch and balance their body with much grace and liveliness. 



Vol. II. 15 



