334 BRITAIN'S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 



this species ; but, as a larger proportion of Hedgesparrows' 

 nests are discovered than of the better concealed nests 

 of other birds, the relative frequency of this victimising 

 is probably more apparent than real. Moreover, the fact 

 that the Cuckoo's egg rarely matches the four to six 

 plain light-blue eggs of the rightful owner of the nest 

 impresses the apparent relative frequency upon the mind. 



Two or three broods are reared each season by a pair 

 of Hedgesparrows. 



With this humble species we conclude the great Order 

 Passeres and our account of the common nesting-birds of 

 the British Isles. 



