tut; VyT.v.T) wakklek. 1/5 



waiLlcr. One naturalist kept one wlilcli sang dui-ing the mnter, its voice being loud nnd 

 variable, consisting of a great number of notes, and from its diversity resembling the 

 song of several different birds. 



A favourite resort of these birds is the extensive fresh waters called the Broads, near 

 Yarmouth, with theu- numerous islands, reeds, and aquatic herbage. The}' are abimdaut 

 in Holland, and tlioy frequent Germany and France. In order to observe the habits of 

 this bird, the locality stretching between Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith has been 

 recommended. The ground there has been dug for brick earth, and water having stag- 

 nated in the excavations has produced an abundant growth of reeds, which are preserved 

 by the briclcmakers as a crop. The warbler visits these beds when the reeds have grown 

 to a considerable height, and as it departs before they are cut, enjoys comparative immu- 

 nity from all danger. 



The voice of the bird may be heard in these neighbourhoods, as it warbles forth its 

 song. Towards autumn it may sometimes be seen during its visits to gardens and culti- 

 vated gromids in jjiu-suit of insects. It has great partialitj- for the common hovise-fly, 

 and may be found beside the manure heaps where those ilies breed. 



One naturalist states that he had a nest built by this bird among the branches of 

 lucerne. It was about three inches in depth and width, and almost entirely composed of 

 hay, the brim being of thicker stems of dry grass. A few hairs were wound roimd the 

 interior, which was smoothly finished, and in some parts there were small tufts of willow 

 down interwoven with elm blossoms. The bird usually perches on a leaf or a leaning 

 stalk, though, when it desires to do so, it can cling with security to an upright reed. If 

 the stalk or leaf be very flexible, it sits upon it with its wings not quite closed, but 

 recovered, so as to have a little hold on the air, so that if a gust of wind should unex- 

 pectedly imperil its hold, it can easily spring or flj- to a more secure spot. 



