518 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
from the trees ; selecting broad resistant leaves, it drills them with 
its bill, sews them together with the cotton which it has prepared, 
and in this manner constructs a bag which serves the purpose of 
completely hiding its nest from the observation of enemies. This 
species belongs to India and the islands of the Indian Ocean, and is 
unknown in Europe. 
Fig. 228.—The Robin or Redbreast. 
The Robin or Redbreast (rythacus rubecula, Fig. 228), is too 
familiar a friend to require description. It is lively, pert, pugnacious, 
cheerful, and a universal favourite. In April the Robin betakes itselt 
to the woods and thickets, where it rears its brood. On the ap- 
proach of winter it returns to civilised life, when, we are informed 
by a French author, it constitutes excellent game! No doubt it is 
edible ; but where is the consumer of such to be found? Not in 
the British Islands, we hope. 
The Wrens (Regis) are the smallest of European birds. The 
Golden-crested Wren (Regudus cristatus) inhabits the woods and thickets 
