6 
BULLETIN OF TEE NUTTALL 
the woods, where, in some cases, the nest is placed in the top of a 
young hemlock ten or fifteen feet up. In one instance I found a 
nest on a horizontal spruce limb in the very heart of the forest, and 
at least thirty-jive feet above the ground. This nest contained four 
eggs, and the female bird, which was sitting, established its identity 
beyond question. ' 
Composition of Nest. — The framework is wrought somewhat 
loosely of fine twigs, those of the hemlock being apparently pre- 
ferred. Next comes a layer of coarse grass or dry weed-stalks ; 
while the interior is lined invariably with fine black roots, which 
closely resemble horse-hairs. In an examination of more than 
thirty examples I have found not one in which these black roots 
were not used. One specimen has, indeed, a few real horse-hairs in 
the lining, but the roots predominate. This uniform coal-black 
lining shows in strong contrast with the lighter aspect of the outer 
surface of the nest. The whole structure is loosely put together, 
and bears a no distant resemblance to the nest of the Chipping 
Sparrow {Spizella sociaiis). 
Among nests of the Sylvicolidee, it finds, perhaps, its nearest ap- 
proach in that of the Chestnut-sided Warbler [Dendreeca p>ennsyl- 
vanica). 
Audubon, describing a nest from Labrador, affirms that it was 
lined with a great quantity of feathers.” As regards this state- 
ment, I can only say that it is entirely at variance with my own 
observations, and the employment of feathers in a nest of this 
character seems to me almost as mat d propos as it would in that of 
a Heron or Cuckoo. 
Description of Eggs, etc. — The time of laying with this species 
varies, in relation to the season, from June 8 to June 15. Four 
eggs commonly constitute a set, though in some cases but three are 
laid ; and I know of an instance where five were found in one nest. 
They measure about .02 of an inch in length by .50 in breadth. 
The usual shape is a rounded oval, and the ground-color almost 
invariably creamy white after the removal of the contents. The 
markings are most commonly blotches of rich, warm umber, with 
smaller dottings of pale lilac or brown, disposed about the larger 
end. Some specimens are, however, thickly sprinkled over their 
entire surface with fine brownish spots. One set of four eggs differs 
from any of the others in having a decided tinge of bluish in the 
ground-color; while upon the large patches of umber which en- 
