280 BRITISH BlUns' NESTS. 



Abbotsbiuy in Dorsetshire. Our illustration, repre- 

 senting the male bird sitting on the nest, was 

 procured at Long Ditton. 



Materials. — lieeds, rushes, dry flags, and grass, 

 often in great quantities, and down. 



Eggs. — Three to twelve, generally six or seven ; 

 dull greenish- white. Size about 4-5 by 2-9 in. 



Time. — March, iVpril, and May. 



Beinar'ks. — Strictly speaking, this bird has no 

 proper claim for inclusion in a work of this character, 

 for although it breeds in a perfectly wild state on 

 the Continent, it has never been known to do so 

 within the limits of the British Isles. The case 

 of the Pheasant, however, another introduced half- 

 domesticated bird, holding its own only through 

 strict protection, paves the way. 



The Mute Swan is said to have been first intro- 

 duced into this country from Cyprus by Richard I., 

 who commenced to reign in 1189. It is considered 

 a bird royal when at large and unmarked, and is 

 consequently afforded protection. Notes, soft and 

 low, plaintive, and of little variety. Local and 

 other names : Common Swan. A close sitter. 



SWIFT. 



Description of Parent Birds. — Length about 

 eight inches ; beak ver}^ short, with an extra- 

 ordinary width of gape, and black. The whole of 

 the plumage is a dingy black, except the chin, 

 which is of a dirty white colour. The tail is of 

 medium length and forked, and the wings very long 

 and sword-like ; legs, toes, and claws black. The 

 feet have four toes, all of which are in front. 



The female is similar to the male in size and 



