22 THE BIRDS OF CUMBERLAND. 



'' The Grey Wagtail nests in the holes of bridges, 

 in walls by the river side, and in some instances 

 in the roots of trees overhano^inof the water : 

 but, as a rule, it prefers to build on a ledge of 

 rock. The Grey Wagtail nests year after year 

 in the same place. I know of an enchanting little 

 spot in the Fairy Dell, on the river Petteril, where 

 I have known the Grey Wagtail to nest for 

 eighteen successive years. It nests in some of 

 the most romantic situations. I recollect finding a 

 nest at Dub Spout on the Caldew, built on the top 

 of a small rock in a cavern, a most beautiful sight ; 

 another was placed within a few yards of a much- 

 frequented footpath. 



" The nest is composed externally of roots, moss, 

 and sometimes a little couch grass ; and, in most 

 districts, is lined inside with white horsehair, though 

 an alternative lining of fine roots with a small 

 portion of hair is sometimes substituted. The Grey 

 Wagtail sits very closel}', and I have touched a 

 brooding bird with my finger before it moved." 



Although birds of the second brood are generally 

 fully fledged in the middle of July, we found a 

 clutch of fresh eggs on July 13th, but this occurred 

 at a heig-ht of 1,200 feet above sea level. 



From that height, the breeding stations ex- 

 tend to where the Eden is influenced by the spring 

 tides. 



M. Rail. Yellow Wagtail. 



The Yellow Wagtail is a summer visitant, but 

 local, breeding irregularly in the centre and north 



