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BRITISH BIRDS 



exceed three, four being rare, while a greater number 

 than the last is practically unknown; and yet writers have 

 put it down at seven and even nine, and the number of 

 broods in the season at four or five; but two is more 

 often the case, though sometimes three. 



The Hedge Sparrow. 



The Hedge Sparrow, not being really a Sparrow, will 

 be found treated separately under Hedge. 



The Tree Sparrow. 



This is not nearly such a common bird as its relation, 

 and in many parts is unknown; indeed, it is not numerous 

 anywhere. It is rather smaller than the common species, 

 and carries more richness of colouring on its small 

 person, which is really very handsome when critically 



THE TREE SPARROW. 



examined. The top of the head is reddish-brown, the 

 cheeks white, with a black spot; round the neck is a 

 white ring, and the back is spotted with red and black ; 

 the lower part of the back and the rump are brownish- 

 grey; the throat is white, and the breast pale ashen-grey; 



