124 Golden-Crested Wrens 



And he hangs it immediately under the branch, 

 which spreads over it protectingly ; so that from 

 above the nest is quite invisible, and even from under- 

 neath is often difficult to find. 



The edges of it are woven round the twigs ; and 

 between the top of the nest and the overhanging 

 branch there is just space enough, in some instances, 

 for the little wren to creep on to her eggs. 



And this tiny creep-mouse of a bird is very num- 

 erous in the British Isles, although by hundreds of 

 people it is never noticed, whilst its faint squeaking 

 notes don't reach their ears. 



It is said that the island of Heligoland, that orni- 

 thological magnet set in the sea, is crowded on scarce 

 occasions during October or November by countless 

 thousands of golden-crested wrens, which must have 

 the appearance of bushels of leaves blown across the 

 ocean, as their minute bodies flutter down from the 

 sky. 



But if butterflies can cross the sea in migration, 

 why not gold-crests ? 



Both cases are equally a subject of interest and 

 admiration. 



I have sometimes derived much pleasure in rearing 

 young birds, allowing them as soon as they can fly to 

 have their liberty in the garden, and there feeding 

 them. 



Of course they have come to look upon one as 

 their means of sustenance and protection ; and will 

 continue to do so, in some instances, for a length of 

 time. 



