4 68 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



by three reeds, but upon occasion by two, four, or 

 even five. Specimens may sometimes be met with 

 amongst the branches of willow and other trees 

 growing near sluggish water. I have known a nest 

 near to Stratford-on-Avon built at some distance 

 from the water on account of persistent persecution, 

 there is reason to believe, by people who cut the 

 beautiful structure and the reeds supporting it out 

 and carry them away as ornaments. In reed beds, 

 osier beds, and other places where suitable cover 

 may be found, on the banks of broads, ponds, 

 reservoirs, and sluggish streams, principally in 

 the eastern counties. It does not breed in the 

 extreme western peninsula of England, and is rare 

 in the northern counties. It is not known to 

 breed in Scotland or in Ireland, and is said to be 

 somewhat rare in Wales. 



Materials. Long blades of dried grass, seed- 

 branches of reeds, roots, dry leaves, and wool, lined 

 with fine grass and hairs. The nest is very deep, 

 a necessity occasioned by its supports being swayed 

 to and fro by gusts of wind. 



Eggs. Four or five, dull greenish-white, greyish- 

 green, or pale greenish-blue, spotted, blotched, and 

 blurred with darker greyish-green and light brown. 

 A few black spots or streaks of dark brown are 

 sometimes present. They are variable, both in the 

 tint of the ground-colour and markings. Their 

 darker ground-colour and the situation of the nest 

 distinguish them from the eggs of the Marsh 

 Warbler. Size about .74 by .53 in. (See Plate IV.) 



Time. End of May, June, and even at the 

 beginning of July eggs may be found. 



Remarks. Migratory, arriving in April and May, 

 and leaving in September. Notes : varied, loud, 



