SPARROW 9 



trees are built in more from necessity than choice, namely, 

 by yearling birds, which commence nidification late, by 

 which time convenient places in walls have been preoccu- 

 pied, or by individuals which from some cause or other 

 had been obliged to give up the latter localities. Fewer 

 broods in the year are produced therefore in the case of 

 nests in trees, both from their being commenced later in 

 the season, and from their requiring naturally more time 

 in their construction ; they are accordingly better made and 

 larger. Mr. Meyer describes one which was handsomely 

 built of moss, grass, and lichens, and neatly lined with hair. 

 The entrance in these cases is by the side, and the interior 

 is profusely lined with feathers. Three broods are often 

 reared during the season. 



The first set of eggs generally consists of four, five, or 

 six. They are dull light grey, or greyish white, much 

 spotted and streaked all over with ash-colour and dusky 

 brown, varying considerably in size, shape, and colour, 

 though preserving for the most part a general resemblance. 



The lower egg on the plate, an exceptionally light 

 brown variety, was forwarded by Mr. G. Grantham, of 

 East Shalford, Guildford.. 



VOL. II. 



