163 
stance it is called in some districts the nettle creeper. It is 
composed externally of dried stems of grasses and leaves, and 
lined inside with fine roots and hair. The eggs are generally five 
in number, of a greyish or greenish white, speckled with ash grey 
and brown. The length of the male bird is about five inches 
and ahalf. Bill, bluish brown, the base of the under mandible 
yellowish brown, and the corners of the mouth yellowish green; 
between it and the eye is a tinge of grey; iris, bronze yellow; eye- 
lids, olive brown; over the eye is a streak of yellowish white. Head, 
on the crown, slate grey; neck, on the sides, pale brownish grey ; 
on the back and nape lighter greyish brown than the head; chin 
and throat, silvery white. Back, reddish brown, but tinged with 
olive in its lower part ; breast, above, pale dull white, tinged with 
rose colour, and on the sides shaded off to yellowish white, and into 
greyish white below. The female is of duller hue altogether, and 
is nearly without the rose tint on the breast. 
Cuckoo ( Cuculus canorus ). 
‘* How sweet the first sound of the Cuckoo’s note, 
Where is the magic pleasure of the sound ? 
How do we recall the very tree, 
Or bush near which we stood, when in the air 
The unexpected note—Cuckoo ! again, 
And yet again, came down the budding vale! 
It is the voice of Spring among the trees ; 
It tells of lengthening days, of coming blooms ; 
It is the symphony of many a song.” 
The Cuckoo is first heard in this district about April 24th, 
and last heard about 28th of June. The old saying is :— 
In April, come he will ; 
In May, he sings all day ; 
In June, he alters his tune ; 
In July, he prepares to fly ; 
In August, go he must. 
There is another old rhyme, which runs thus ;— 
