Page:Ornithological biography, or an account of the habits of the birds of the United States of America, vol 2.djvu/242

206 gun was silently raised to his shoulder, the explosion followed in course, and as I saw the twig whirling downwards, I experienced all the enthu- siastic anxiety ever present with me on such occasions. Picking up the branch, I found in it a nest, containing three naked young, with as yet sealed eyelids. The nest was small, compact, somewhat resembling that of the American Goldfinch. It was firmly attached to the leaves of the hemlock twig, which appeared as if intentionally closed together over and around it, so as to conceal it from all enemies. Lichens, dry leaves of hemlock, and slender twigs formed its exterior. It was delicately lined with the fur of the hare and racoon ; and the young lay imbedded in the softest feathers of the Ruffed Grouse. The parents soon became aware of the mischief which we had done ; they descended, glided over our heads, manifested the most tender affection and the deepest sorrow, and excited our sympathy so far, that I carefully placed their tender offspring on a fallen log, leaving them to the care of their kind protectors, and con- tenting myself with their cradle.

I have since met with this species in the State of Maine, and have seen several individuals in Newfoundland ; but never again have I found a nest, nor can I say any thing regarding its eggs. Confined as it is to the interior of the forests, I cannot even tell you more respecting its mode of flying than what 1 have already related, never having observed it per- forming a longer flight than from one tree to another.

Sylvia parus, Ch. Bonaparte, Synops. of Birds of the United States, p. 82. Hemlock Wakbler, Sylvla parus, Wils. Amer. Ornith. voL v. p. 114. pi. 44. fig. 3. M.de.—Nuttall, Manual, part i. p. 392.

Adult Male. Plate CXXXIV. Fig. 1.

Bill shortish, nearly straight, subulato-conical, acute, nearly as deep as broad at the base, the edges sharp, the gap line slightly deflected at the base. Nostrils basal, elliptical, lateral, half-closed by a membrane. General form rather slender. Feet of ordinary length ; tarsus slender, compressed, anteriorly scutellate, sharp behind ; toes scutellate above, the inner free, the hind toe of moderate size ; claws arched, slender, compress- ed, acute.

Plumage soft, blended, slightly glossed. Wings of ordinary length, the first quill longest. Tail shortish, emarginate.

Bill dark brown above, pale brown beneath. Iris hazel. Feet pale