28 .THE BIRDS OF TKRRICK HOUSE. 



of rabbit's down and moss, and this constitutes the lining : occasionally 

 feathers are used ; it will in general make use of any soft substance for the 

 purpose that comes in its way. The most beautiful nest of this bird I ever 

 saw, was situated on a small island in these grounds. A Duck of the far- 

 famed Aylesbury breed, of cream yellow exterior, but with "under-clothing" 

 of snowy whiteness, chanced to have a nest on the same island. The down 

 which encircled the eggs offered to the longing eyes of our Hedge-Warbler 

 attractions not to be resisted ; she had therefore, with or without leave of the 

 said Duck, appropriated to her own use as much of this novel material as 

 sufficed to line her nest thoroughly. A more beautiful sight than the five 

 clear blue eggs, reposing upon this immaculate and snow-white bed of down, 

 could scarcely be conceived. 



The Hedge-Warbler breeds early and late ; beginning to build in March, 

 and sometimes at a still earlier period, and continuing to do so till August, 

 in which month I have found the n^st with eggs. It usually places its nest 

 within two or three feet of the ground, a faggot stack being a favourite situ- 

 ation; a dead thorn fence is often chosen; indeed no situation near the 

 ground, which offers concealment, comes amiss to it. It sometimes produces 

 as many as six eggs. 



Modest and unobtrusive, this bird deserves to be a general favourite. 

 Blameless and harmless itself, it entertains no suspicion of evil in others. 

 If not subjected to persecution — and who can persecute so gentle a creature? 

 — its confidence and familiarity become great, but still this familiarity is 

 never cai'ried to a degree to become offensive ; like a thoroughly honest, 

 upright, and straight-forward person, it neither courts nor shuns observation. 

 Its song, though short and simple, consisting only of a few notes delivered 

 in a continuous strain, has yet a sweetness and plaintiveness about it which 

 render it extremely pleasing and agreeable. 



(To he continued.J 



THE SWAMPS OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 



BY GEORGE DONALDSON, ESQ. 



KEAD BEFORE THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OP GLASGOW. 



This Paper, Mr. President, is more of a popular than a scientific character. 

 This form I have been induced to adopt, partly from the example of some 

 contiibutors to The Naturalist, whose rambles are frequently of a very 

 instructive and entertaining nature ; and with the expectation of its interest- 

 ing some of the gentlemen at the table, and amusing others, I will attempt 



