280 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



Situation and Locality. On the ground, amongst 

 coarse, long grass, in or near hedgerow bottoms, 

 under bramble bushes, brackens, weeds, and scrub, 

 on the outskirts of woods, plantations, and coppices 

 all over the country where there is plenty of wood, 

 water, and protection. Specimens have been found 

 occupying a deserted squirrel's drey, in a Scotch 

 fir, and on the tops of stacks. I have seen them 

 out in bare, open fields on one or two occasions. 



Materials. A few dead leaves, dried grass- 

 blades, bracken, or fern-fronds. 



Eggs. Eight to thirteen ; as many, however, 

 as seventeen have been found in one nest under 

 circumstances which pointed to their having been 

 laid by one hen, and in other cases even as many 

 as twenty-six, undoubtedly the joint production of 

 two hens, as the bird has often been known to share 

 a nest, not only so far as laying was concerned, 

 but sitting with other hens of its own species ; 

 also with the Partridge, and has been known to 

 lay in the nests of the Red Grouse, Capercaillie, 

 Wood Cock, and Wild Duck. Olive-brown is the 

 general colour of the eggs, but specimens may be 

 met with of a greyish-white, tinged with green or 

 bluish-green. They are unspotted, but finely pitted. 

 Size about 1.87 by 1.4 in. (See Plate XV.) 



Time. April and May, sometimes as early as 

 March, and as late as September or October. 



Remarks. Naturalised, and holds its own only 

 by protection. There can be but little doubt that 

 the bird was first introduced by the Romans. 

 Notes : crow of male, a short, loud cackle, and the 

 note of the female, a shrill, piping whistle. Local 

 or other name : none. Sits closely and, curiously 

 enough, emits little or no scent at this period. In 



