NATURE'S CAROL SINGERS. 



stems at varying heights above the water. 

 I have, however, on several occasions seen 

 it in willow and alder bushes at some 



YOUNG REED WARBLER. 



distance from that element, and it has 

 even been found in a lilac bush in such a 

 very unlikely neighbourhood as Hamp- 

 stead. 



The structure is very deep for the size 

 of the builder, but this peculiarity of its 

 architecture serves a very useful pur- 

 pose, for when the reeds to which it is 

 attached are violently swayed to and fro 

 by strong gusts of wind, it prevents the 

 eggs from rolling out and away to certain 

 destruction. 



The eggs, numbering from four to six, 

 are of a dull greenish-white or greyish- 

 156 



