"And though I mind my work, I also prink and perk, For Johnny's such a _f-a-s-cin-a-ting_ He! "_Both_ (beating time with all four wings): _(She)_ Though you don't care to talk-- _(He)_ We might both take a walk-- _(Both)_ For we are such a captivating WE! _Exeunt,_ dancing on tiptoe along the trellis." The House Wren Length five inches. Upper parts dark brown finely barred with black. Under parts gray, washed with brown and very faintly banded. Tail rather long (for a Wren's), full of light and dark bars, mostly held cocked up. A fidgety little bird with a very merry song. A Summer Citizen east of Indiana, and a Citizen south from the middle districts. A Ground Gleaner and Tree Trapper. THE LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN "You must always wear your rubber boots when you go to look for the Marsh Wren," said the Doctor; "and you must be careful where you step, for this Wren knows where to put his nest safely out of the way of both House People and cats. He chooses a bunch of reeds, or a bush that is surrounded either by water or the treacherous green grass of bogs, and there weaves an oblong or globular nest from coarse grass and leaves, with a little hole on one side for a door. This done, he goes to a short distance and appoints himself day watchman to his home. If a footstep touches the grass ever so lightly, he tells his mate of it and they flit off; and if any one thinks that by following the birds they will find the nest, they will be very much disappointed. Mr. and Mrs. Long-bill will lead them a will-o'-the-wisp dance; and when the House People are tired, bewildered, and very wet in the shoes, the clever birds will return home by a secret way, chuckling to themselves. You will know this little bird by his nervous Wren-like ways and jerking tail, even if you are not near enough to see his markings and long curving bill." [Illustration: Long-Billed Marsh Wren.] "But there are no marshy places near the Farm, so I'm afraid we shall never see him, except in the wonder room," said Nat. "By and by when we go to the beach, where our river meets the sea, I will show you some nests. I speak of this Marsh Wren now so that you may remember it with the rest of this family of Mockers and Scolders." The Long-billed Marsh Wren Length about five inches. Upper parts clear brown, with a long light line over the eye, and a patch of black-and-white streaks on the back; light and dark brown bars on tail and wings. Under parts white, tinged with brown on the sides. A long slender bill, with more of a curve than a House Wren's. Song something like a House Wren's, but move bubbling and gurgling. A Citizen of the eastern United States. A Ground Gleaner. CHAPTER XII WOODLAND WARBLERS