of the blows upon the air and upon his own body as in flying.  One log will be used for many years, though not by the same drummer.  It seems to be a sort of temple and held in great respect.  The bird always approaches on foot, and leaves it in the same quiet manner, unless rudely disturbed.  He is very cunning, though his wit is not profound.  It is difficult to approach him by stealth, you will try many times before succeeding; but seem to pass by him in a great hurry, making all the noise possible, and with plumage furled, he stands as immovable as a know, allowing you a good view, and a good shot if you are a sportsman.

Passing along one of the old Barkpeelers’ roads which wander aimlessly about, I am attracted by a singularly brilliant and emphatic warble, proceeding from the low bushes, and quickly suggesting the voice of the Maryland yellow-throat.  Presently the singer hops up on a dry twig, and gives me a good view:  lead-colored head and neck, becoming nearly black on the breast; clear olive-green back, and yellow belly.  From his habit of keeping near the ground, even hopping upon it occasionally, I know him to be a ground warbler; from his dark breast the ornithologist has added the expletive mourning, hence the mourning ground warbler.

Of this bird both Wilson and Audubon confessed their comparative ignorance, neither ever having seen its nest or become acquainted with its haunts and general habits.  Its song is quite striking and novel, though its voice at once suggests the class of warblers to which it belongs.  It is very shy and wary, flying but a few feet at a time, and studiously concealing itself from your view.  I discover but one pair here.  The female has food in her beak, but carefully avoids betraying the locality of her nest.  The ground warblers all have one notable feature,—­very beautiful legs, as white and delicate as if they had always worn silk stockings and satin slippers.  High tree warblers have dark brown or black legs and more brilliant plumage, but less musical ability.

The chestnut-sided belongs to the latter class.  He is quite common in these woods, as in all the woods about.  He is one of the rarest and handsomest of the warblers; his white breast and throat, chestnut sides, and yellow crown show conspicuously.  Last year I found the nest of one in an uplying beech wood, in a low bush near the roadside, where cows passed and browsed daily.  Things went on smoothly till the cow bunting stole her egg into it, when other mishaps followed, and the nest was soon empty.  A characteristic attitude of the male during this season is a slight drooping of the wings, and a tail a little elevated, which gives him a very smart, bantam-like appearance.  His song is fine and hurried, and not much of itself, but has its place in the general chorus.