220 FEATHERED RESIDENTS IN THE GROUNDS OF TERRICK HOUSE, 



it warmer, and more comfortable; and, still further to increase the warmth, 

 several individuals will sometimes be found roostins; too:ether. 



I have heard this interesting little creature, on its escape from a calamity 

 which threatened it, the attack of a cat, break suddenly out into a hymn 

 of thanksgiving and praise, for what else could the burst of song be? in 

 grateful acknowledgment of its deliverance. And when dangers are averted, 

 and calamities mercifully warded off from us, does an involuntary burst of 

 gratitude and thankfulness escape us too? Are we equally ready with this 

 little bird, to offer up our tribute of praise for mercies received, for blessings 

 bestowed upon us? If not, even it may one day rise up, and its voice be 

 heard in judgment against us. 



Suspended from near the extremity of another branch, a small ball-like 

 object is seen, which we find to be the nest of the Golden-crested Wren, 

 {ReguJus cristatus.) The close, compact nature of the foliage which feathers 

 the branch beneath which it is hung, serves as an awning to protect its 

 occupants from sunshine and from storm, for, unlike the last, this nest is 

 open at the top. It is a perfect gem in its way; the hammock-like way 

 in which it is slung up commands our admiration; while the slender thread- 

 like shoots which hang gracefully about it, and to which it is ingeniously 

 and securely lashed, combined with the neatness of finish, and elegance of 

 shapo of the nest itself, render it an object extremely beautiful and interesting. 

 The line from the nursery rhyme, 



"When the wind blows the cradle will rook," 



naturally enough suggests itself on viewing this tiny piece of architecture, 

 neither the bulk nor weight of which, however, will be at all likely to bring 

 about the catastrophe shadowed forth in the succeeding line — 

 "When the bough breaks the cradle will fall." 



A spruce fir or yew tree is generally selected, and the nest is usually 

 placed at an elevation of from ten to fifteen feet, but I have found it in a 

 low juniper bush about four feet only from the ground; I have also found 

 it in an apple tree, and in one instance I met with it in a beech, in the 

 midst of one of those almost impervious and singular-looking boughs we 

 sometimes find in that and other trees, but in the beech especially. These 

 boughs have much the appearance, at a distance, of a Magpie's nest suspended 

 in the tree; their strange formation is most likely caused by the puncture 

 of an insect, or is the effect of some peculiar disease. The tiny eggs of this 

 tiny species I have usually found to be seven or eight in number, of a dull 

 white, suffused at the larger end with pale yellowish brown, varying in the 

 depth of tone; some specimens have this colour disposed in distinct specks. 

 A nest with seven eggs was this year found at Ookethorpe Park, as early as 

 the 14th. of April; the end of the month, or the beginning of May, is the 

 more usual time for this bird to begin laying. 



Although partially migratory, this species braves, and that with impunity. 



