ing copses and thick hedgerows, and from being somewhat uncommon, at least in Britain, not very often heard. Bechstein, however, who is an excellent authority in these matters, says, that the song, though weak, is so soft, so melodious, and so varied, that it surpasses other warblers. He adds, that while warbling in an undertone, in continuation, it is perpetually hopping about the bushes; but when going to utter its tones of clap, clap, clap, it stops, and employs the whole strength of the larynx to pronounce this syllable. When caged, and by itself in a room, it rarely utters the clacking tones, and at that time its voice is peculiarly sweet and agreeable. Both there, and in its wild bough, its warbling is almost incessant, so as to deserve its name of babbler.

This bird usually builds its nest among brambles and low underwood. This is generally formed of strong coarse grasses, lined inside with some finer kinds, with fibrous roots and horsehair. The eggs are smaller than those of the common whitethroat; sparingly spotted and speckled, chiefly at the larger end, with light brown and grey. They are about five in number.

This bird is very generally diffused over the

temperate and warmer parts of Europe and Asia. Its manners and habits are similar to those of the larger species, and like it, its food consists of insects, varied with berries. It frequents thick copses and hedgerows, and sometimes may be heard or seen on the top of a tall elm or other

CHAPTER V.

WHEATEAR-STONECHAT-WHINCHAT.

IF in spring and early summer there is a richness and beauty in our woods and meadows, so too, at these seasons, the wide-spread downs have attractions of their own. Desolate indeed they seem in winter, as the wind sweeps sullenly over their short grassy turf, bowing down the slender green twigs of the broom, or the sturdier branches of the ling, and making a moan through the stiff spiny boughs of the furze. We can then see little there that has a brighter tinge than the grass, save an occasional blossom on the furze, which is of paler yellow and less wide expansion than the bloom of summer; or we may look upon a tuft of emerald moss, or a bright whitish grey lichen hanging around the trunk of a solitary tree, or a gay orange or pale yellow fungus at its base; or perchance we may stoop to gather the little crimson mushroom-like object which glitters