216 ornithologist's text-book. ivy wren. 



on an erroneous basis. If half the time that is 

 spent in such pseudo-philosophic conclusions from 

 unproved assertions, were employed in observing 

 and recording new facts, our acquaintance with the 

 habits and general economy of the feathered race 

 would be infinitely more extensive and accurate. 



The Ivy Wren displays not a little pugnacity in 

 its disposition, and, like that of all other birds, it 

 is most observable in the breeding season. I well 

 remember, on one occasion, that whilst walking 

 with a friend, in a solitary wood, some years ago, 

 a violent rustling of the leaves, in a neighboring 

 bush, arrested our attention. On peering into the 

 shrub, we found two of these birds engaged in such 

 close and fierce combat, that nothing would have 

 been easier than to have made them both prisoners. 

 When parted, one of them appeared glad enough 

 of a chance of escape, and sculked amongst the 

 thick bushes, whilst the other, perched on a neigh- 

 boring tree, poured forth the joyous song of vic- 

 tory. After the lapse of a few minutes, however, 

 the vanquished was furiously chased through bush 

 and brake, and the pursuit continued as far as the 

 eye could penetrate. The conquered party ap- 

 peared to have received some injury in one of its 

 wings, and flew with difficulty. Probably it had 

 been relieved of some of its quill feathers in the 

 late conflict. 



Though a very hardy bird, usually braving the 

 rigors of our northern winters, yet, in extremely 

 severe seasons, great numbers do perish, equal 

 victims to hunger and cold. It is said to have 

 been sometimes found dead in holes of thatched 

 roofs and other places, and that several stow them- 

 selves into the same retreat, in order to keep each 

 other warm ; but I have never discovered more 

 than one in a hole, though that pretty frequently. 

 It often chooses its own nest for its sepulchre, but 



