8 TREE SPARROW. 



had been inhabited by Magpies and Crows; and in 

 these cases, the nest, that is of the Tree Sparrow, is 

 domed over, as is done also by the House Sparrow, 

 when it locates its habitation in similar situations. Not 

 unfrequently they build in the thatch of barns and 

 out-houses, but only in thoroughly^country places, the 

 entrance being from the outside; also in the tiling of 

 houses, and in stacks and wood faggots; likewise in old 

 walls, not many feet above the ground. Arthur Strick- 

 land, Esq., of Bridlington, has recorded that a pair 

 built their nest, a domed one, in a hedge in the grounds 

 of Walton Hall. 



The eggs, from four to six in number, are of a 

 dull white or grey colour, speckled all over with light 

 greyish brown of different shades. 



One fine variety is of a dark rich reddish brown 

 colour, mottled all over. 



A second is of a deep yellowish green, likewise 

 mottled all over with darker specks. 



A third is marked entirely over with minute grey, 

 yellowish, brown, and bluish dots and small streaks. 



A fourth, dull brown dark about the base, and all 

 mottled. 



The engraving is from specimens taken by W. R. 

 Fisher, Esq., of Yarmouth, from a nest placed in a 

 hole of the stem of an apple tree at that place. 



