10 NOTES ON THE REDBREAST. 



I shall have a good deal to say to you, on a future occasion, about what 

 might be done, — nay, should be done, in the matter of adapting this spacious 

 building to the habitation of certain biids of song ; whicli would not only 

 live there happily, but form a great source of attraction to visitors generally. 

 At present, I content myself with calling attention to " the little bird with 

 russet coat," whose livery, just now, is both new and beautiful. Man's 

 friend he surely is : May man tender him his friendship in return ! 



Hammersmith, Oct. 2nd, 1854. 



We should observe, that the above came to hand in October, and was 

 apropos of the doings at Sydenham Palace, at that particular season. How- 

 ever, as the same pleasing scenes will be again gone through shortly, and 

 with an increased interest, we have preferred to record them in the opening 

 number of tlie New Year. — B. R. M. 



NESTING OF THE WATER-OUZEL, IN NORFOLK. 



{GINCLUS AQUATIC US.) 



BY G. B. TWINN, ESQ. 



More than one of the many correspondents of The Naturalist, observing 

 my notice of this bird's nesting in Norfolk, have addressed me relative 

 to the circumstance : I therefore supply my stray notes for general benefit, 

 if approved. The Ouzel is not at all common in the south and east of 

 England, I believe ; yet doubtless many a one visits those parts, and is 

 seen by some, who (in the language of Mr. Round, in the November No., 

 page 247) from their occupation in the fields, however ignorant, speaking 

 scientifically, have still a knowledge of many things, yet unknown, perhaps 

 to professors ; and therefore I am one, not at all sceptical, when I hear of a 

 strange bird appearing in a locality not proverbial for its general presence. 



'Tis a good thing, I readilj' allow, to secure truth and corroboration, and 

 supply facts from actual observation; thus I am additionally induced to 

 send my "jottings" to The Naturalist. The Water-Ouzel, I consider, (with 

 many others,) " more local than rare ; " and this was the first I had met with, 

 nesting in Norfolk ; yet I think I have not been deceived in observing it 

 among the early spring visitants for the last four years. I am not the only 

 person, who pronounced this nest an Ouzel's ; for my companion, at the time 

 of discovery, was one well versed in nests and oology. I deem myself fully 

 justified, in placing this bird among those that are to be found in the Eastern 

 Counties. Mr. Yarrell, if I recollect aright, mentions one being seen at a 



