244 



THE USEFUL BIRDS 



times in reeds (generally when breeding) and in other months 

 in the dry, swampy bushes, not directly in the creek, but 

 in the winter overflow. The food of the Reed- Warbler is 

 largely insects. Lessees of river frontages benefit by the 



Reed- Warbler and N( 



incursions of the young and old birds in search of provender, 

 The young in the early phase assume the dress of the parents. 

 a rule not usual among birds. To secure the illustration 

 necessitated Mr. Mattingley standing in the one spot in the 



