* 
56 EGGS AND EGG-COLLECTING. 
whilst the bird was incubating without any apparent in- 
convenience to her. 
THE WATER RAIL. 
As might be expected, the nest of this bird is composed | 
of sedges and flags, in somewhat considerable quantities, 
and is situated under thick cover in osier-beds and swamps 
in which alders grow, more especially in the southern 
counties of England. ‘The hen lays from six to nine eggs 
of a crearmy-white, with a few small reddish spots and dots. 
THE COMMON BUNTING. 
Tue Common Bunting lays from four to six eggs of a 
grey colour, tinged with red-brown, purple-brown, and ash- 
coloured spots or streaks. Her nest is built of straw and 
coarse hay outside, lined in the interior with fibrous roots, 
and sometimes with horse-hair. It is situated amongst 
coarse grass near to or on the ground. 
J THE YELLOW-HAMMER. 
Tus beautiful bird lays from three to six eggs of a dingy 
white tinged with purple, streaked and veined with purple- 
brown, the streak or vein generally terminating in a spot 
of the same colour. Her nest is situated on or near the 
ground, sheltered by overhanging grass, and is composed of 
dried or decayed leaves of grass round the exterior, followed 
