88 WILL O W- WRENS. 



wings, and whole birds still so lavishly used 

 in trimming hats and bonnets. Loving birds as 

 I do, I cannot help pleading for them from time 

 to time, in the hope that public opinion may have 

 some influence, and ladies may learn at last to 

 be ashamed to be seen decked with an orna- 

 ment which proclaims them both thoughtless and 

 unfeeling. 



The willow-wren, one of the most useful of 

 our insect-eating birds, abounds in my old garden, 

 and keeps the rose-trees free from aphides and 

 other pests. It chooses very unsafe places for 

 its nest, the smallest tuft of grass being deemed 

 a sufficient shelter. One such nest, I remember, 

 was located two years ago close to the field 

 road where my hay carts were continually 

 passing. The brave little mother seemed to 

 have no fear, but as a heedless footstep might 

 unwittingly have destroyed the nest, some 

 branches were placed round the spot for her 

 protection, and I hope she succeeded in rearing 

 her family. 



It is a charming sight to see a party of willow- 

 wrens methodically clearing the insects from a 



