210 THE FE.«HKUKD TKlItES. 



It appears, however, tliat the tailor bird is not the only one whieli i'ahrirale.s tlii.s kind 

 of nest. Ijathani .states that in Lady t'live's collection of dra^Yings, there is a somewhat 

 similar bird, called 2lcroj)s Miiiiiiiu>i, which adopts the same method. This bird, like the 

 one with which it is naturally associated, is also small ; and it is an interesting fact that 

 such inconsiderable members of the feathered race should be gifted with so remarkable 

 an instinct. Not oulj^ is the nest so curiously fabricated, all that the young require, but 

 its position is so chosen that they are secure from the enemies to which they are 

 peculiarly exposed. Yet, be it observed, this is only one example of the adaptation of the 

 abode to "the tenant which ma}' be observed throughout the region of animated nature. 

 In no part of it do we discover a creature whose instinct' leads to-tho preparation of an 

 uncongenial or insecure abode. The law under which it acts is a perfect law. That 

 which reason would do were it possessed, is done, and the completeness of the product in 

 every respect ma}'' well excite o\ir wonder, and call forth our liigli admiration. 



THE SED(iE MARDLER.* 



The Sedge Warbler arrives in England about the middle of April, and silently, but in 

 considerable naimbers, takes possession of the sedgy and reedy banks of streams and 

 pools, of osier holts, and of shrubs and bushes on the edges of marshes and moist places. 

 It does not inhabit the very high grounds, but it ajipcars throughout the range of 

 England, and partially, though, perhaps, onh' as a straggler, in the southern parts 

 of Scotland. 



The weight of this species is about throe drams, and its length five inches and a half. 

 The crown of the head and all the upper parts are of a yellowish lirown; (he baciv, tlic 

 sides of the neck, and upper tail-coverts are plain; the rest obscurely marked ^^ilh 

 dusky. Over the ej'c is a whitish stroke; all the under parts, from the chin to the under 

 tail-coverts, are of a yellowish white. The tail, wlien spread, has a roundish .shape. 



The Sedge Warbler has a variety of notes, which it delivers in a hurried manner, and 

 which partakes of that of the skylark and the swallow, as well as the chatter of the house 

 sparrow. It is not a loud songster, but it is a very constant one ; and though it sings 

 best in the morning and towards night, it may be heard at most times of the day, 

 and not unfrequently during the night. It sings in the throat, and gives a kind of 

 guttural twist to all it utters. It sings from within the reeds or the bush, from the top 

 of it, or when it is leaping from one bush to another. It is frequently by the sides of 

 ri\'ers and water}' places, where sedge and reeds grow, amongst which it makes a nest 

 composed of a little moss intermixed with dried stalks, lined with dried grass, and 

 occasionally fastened with a few hairs. iSometinies it i.s fastened between two or three 

 reeds ; other nests arc found in a tuft of rushes on the ground, or very near it, 

 fastened roimd the bottom of them; while others may be discovered in a low bu.sh. 

 The mode of building, however, somowliat depends on the locality. If among reeds, the 

 nest is united to two or three of these ; if in a holt, where the young osiers do not afford 

 Sufficient forks, it is on the side of some stool that stands above the flooding of the jilace ; 

 if in a bush, it is placed in the centre ; and if the only cover for ihv bird be ru.she,'<, (he 

 nest is placed in the centre of a tuft. The eggs arc five or six in n.imber, of a light- 

 brown colour, mottled with darker shades of the same. 



The similitudc'in colour, size, nutnnei's, and habits of this bird to (he Reed Warbler, has 

 sometimes led to their being confounded. Tliat bird, however, will be found not to jjosscss 

 (he broad white streak o^ ?r the eye which this has, nor any of the feathers on the back 

 and wing-coverts duskj". The nest and eggs arc also cssentiall}- dilfirent. 



* C'omicii Si)litiuia 



