(40) readily where I sat on a small pile of half rotted oak, in such a position, that, in order to let her eat out of my hands on the ground, it was necessary to place my hands between my feet and directly below my face. In eating there, her back would be about 18 inches from my nose. This proximity did not disturb her and she repeatedly looked up into my face while eating (characteristic) then went off about 8 feet and sang softly, but with many complex phrases and variations--sub-song, or undersong. (There is no doubt but that both of these birds sing). I started digging in the earth to see if I could get some information on the food habits of thrashers. I found sow-bugs, centi- black pedes, spiders, small^beetles 1/4 to 1/4 inch long, angle-worms and small snails about+the size of peas. Brown Eyes was watching from about 6 feet away (I had hoped that she would come and help dig). I gave her three angle-worms. Two she would not even touch. The third she turned over with her bill without interest. The sow-bugs, spider s and centipedes she did not see, and I did not care much about handling any of them with my bare hands. The beetles were lively and attracted her attention, so she ran over and gobbled them. The snails she swallowed whole, shells and all. She would not dig in my excava- tion, but picked up particles of something invisible to me, from the surface of the disturbed earth. 4 P.M. There is a strong Sou' easter blowing, and the nest is bobbing around a good bit. It is deep, however, and the bird sits well down in it, looking snug and comfortable. It will not be any too good if it rains, though. (Sou'easters are the usual rain winds) March 12th. A heavy rain commenced last night about 10:25, accompanied by r rather strong wind and I naturally wondered whether the bird on the nest would not get a good soaking.