In the uncertainty whether the _Fringilla georgiana_ of Latham be not rather the _Peucæa æstivalis_ than the Swamp Sparrow, I think it best to retain Wilson’s name. It certainly applies as well to the latter, which has the black sub-maxillary streak, and the chin and throat more mouse-colored than in _palustris_. HABITS. Owing to the residence of this species in localities not favoring frequent visits or careful explorations, and still more to its shy and retiring habits, our writers have not been generally well informed as to the history and general manners of this peculiar and interesting Sparrow. Its irregular distribution, its abundance only in certain and unusually restricted localities, its entire absence from all the surrounding neighborhood, and its secretiveness wherever found, have all combined to throw doubt and obscurity over its movements. Unless purposely looked for and perseveringly hunted up, the Swamp Sparrow might exist in large numbers in one’s immediate neighborhood and yet entirely escape notice. Even now its whole story is but imperfectly known, and more careful investigation into its distribution and general habits will doubtless clear up several obscure points in regard to its movements. [Illustration: PLATE XXVIII. 1. Melospiza palustris. ♂ D. C., 38746. 2. ” ” ♀ Pa. 3. Embernagra rufivirgata. Orizaba, 29229. 4. Peucæa æstivalis. Ga., 10245. 5. ” cassini. Texas, 6329. 6. ” ruficeps. Cal., 6241. 7. Passerella iliaca. _Ad._, Pa., 846. 8. ” townsendi. ♀ Columbia R., 2874. 9. ” schistacea. Utah, 11234. 10. ” ” var. megarhyncha. ♂ Utah. 11. Euspiza americana. ♂ Pa., 1459. 12. ” ” ♀ D. C., 10133. 13. ” townsendi. Pa., 10282. (Type.)] From what is now known, we gather that it occurs throughout the eastern portions of North America, from the Southern States, in which it passes the wintry months, to high northern latitudes, where some find their way in the breeding-season, extending as far to the west at least as the Missouri River region. Three specimens were obtained at Fort Simpson, by Mr. Kennicott, in September, which indicates their probable summer presence in latitude 55°, and their near approach to the Pacific coast at the extreme northwestern portion of their distribution. Audubon also met with them in Newfoundland and in Labrador. They are known to breed as far to the south as Pennsylvania. They have been taken in the eastern portion of Nebraska, and breed in considerable numbers in Southern Wisconsin. Further investigations in regard to its distribution will probably show it to be a much more widely distributed as well as a more abundant bird than has been generally supposed. Mr. Ridgway writes me that this bird winters in Southern Illinois, and remains there very late in the spring, but he thinks that none remain to breed.