PROTHOMOTARY SAY AMP- WARBLER. 
89 
The American Poke-weed. 
Phytolacca decandra, Willd ., Sp. PL, vol. L p. 322. Pursch , FI. Amer., vol. i. p. 
324. — Decandria Decagynia, Linn. — Atriplices, Juss. 
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. 
PROTHON OTARY SW AMP-WARBLER. 
Helinaia Protonotarius, Lath. 
PLATE CYI — 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 lool? 
under the leaves, from which it picks various kinds of insects. It often 
perches on 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. TI. 15 
