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DENTIROSTRES. 



the haw, and the mistletoe, when autumn and winter 

 deprive it of its more esteemed fare. The Missel Tln-ush 

 is one of our earliest breeders ; the commencement of 

 March bemg with it the season of incubation. It builds 

 its nest sometimes in orchard trees, at others in those of 

 more lofty growth, such as the elm or oak ; and the 

 nest, with a view to its concealment, is artfully placed 

 either close against the stem, or in a fork of one of the 

 large branches ; being composed, on the outside, of 

 coarse lichen, grey moss, or such dried vegetation as may 

 be found on the spot, corresponding with the colour of 

 the tree. The materials are carelessly interwoven ; but 

 within this outside covering is placed a layer of mud, 

 neatly lined with fine grasses. The eggs are five in 

 number, of a pale bluish- white, spotted with dull red. 



NEST OF SONG THEUSH. 



