Breeding habits of R. Pennsylvanica 1875. June 8 Middlesex Co., Mass. another nest with 4 eggs well advanced, 3 of these nests now in barberry bushes two in hazel and the remaining one in a bush unknown to me. Now are one 4ft above the ground. The Q of this species sits closer than any bird I know. I looked at one steadily for several minutes with my face within less than a foot of her; her beautiful dark eyes returned my glance steadily enough but the rapidly pulsating beats of her heart were plainly visible and betrayed her fear. When started off the nest they made no boisterous plaint but with drooping wings and spread tail remained within a few yards of me as if desiring to put in a mute appeal for mercy. Northern migrants all gone except Chry, which I made again to day. Least R. striata on the 6th inst. June 10 Clear and warm. Rained in torrents all day yesterday and last night and the news- papers report a fall of 5 inches. This is the first rain that we have had for many weeks. After this morning struck off into the swamps and hunted hard for rails' nests but did not find any though I saw and heard many of the birds. The water in the swamps was very high at least 12 inches higher than before the rain. Found 4 nests of Mel. palustris in one little corner of the swamp.