

556 NATURAL HISTORY MISCELLANY. 
THE WORM-EATING WARBLER.—In looking over the description of the 
Worm-eating Warbler ( Helmitherus vermivorus), in the ** Birds of New 
England" by Mr. Samuels, I see he describes it as nesting in bushes from 
our to nine feet from the ground, and making its nest with the blossoms 
of hickory and chestnut trees. I should like to know if these are the 
usual habits of this 
On the 6th of June, M. I found a nest of this species containing five 
eggs. It was placed in a hollow on the ground much like the nest of the 
Oven bird ies aurocapillus), and was hidden from sight by the dry 
h 
those of the White-bellied-Nuthatch fcu ls Sepak though the 
eared are fewer and less distinct. Soc id the female sit that I 
captured her epa difficulty by placing my uds over the nest. — T. H. 
JACKSON, Westchester, Pa. 
HELL-FISH IN A RAIN STORM.— Mr. John Ford exhibited to 
the Caeo Section, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, 
specimens of Gemma gemma, remarkable as having fallen accompa- 
the afternoon of June 6th, 1869. The specimens were — but asl 
bred. Though. most of the specimens which fell were broken, yet 
h 
m erfec collectec 
heavy rain which followed their descent. A witness of the storm, Mr. 
Y. S. Walter, editor of the “Delaware County Republican," assured Mr. 
F. that he noticed the singular character of the storm at its very com- 
mencement, and to use his own words, “it seemed like a storm within a 
Storm." A very fine rain fell rapidly, veiled by the shells, which fell 
slower and with a whirling motion. Judging from the remains of animal 
matter attached to some of the specimens, together with the fresh ap- 
living at the moment of transition. This minute species resembles a 
quahaug shell, and is common on the seashore between tide marks. 
NYCTALE ALBIFRONS. — I do not know whether, since the discovery made 
by Dr. Hoy, of Racine, Wisconsin, in regard to Nyctale albifrons, another 
of this beautiful and rare species has been taken within the limits of the 
United States. A few days ago a live and well plumaged specimen was 
 eaptured in the centre of the city of Buffalo, by George L. Newman, Esd« 
of that city, and presented to the Society of Natural ipn Iam 
sorry to add that the bird lived only two days in captivity, and it forms 
vue a very valuable addition to the ornithological collections ds the 
iety. — CHARLES S. LINDEN. : 


