The Chaffinch. 257 



but more lightly and elegantly formed. Its nest, which 

 is of the most beautiful and elaborate construction, is com- 

 posed of mosses and lichens, interwoven and lined with 

 wool, hair, and feathers. " Four or five eggs," says Mr. 

 Waterton, " are the usual number which the Chaffinch's 

 nest contains, and sometimes only three. The thorn, and 

 most of the evergreen shrubs, the sprouts on the boles 

 of forest trees, the woodbine, the whin, the wild rose, and 

 occasionally the bramble, are this bird's favourite places 

 for nidification. Like all its congeners, it never covers 

 its eggs on retiring from the nest, for its young are 

 hatched blind. There is something peculiarly pleasing 

 to me in the song of this bird. Perhaps association of 

 ideas may add a trifle to the value of its melody; for 

 when I hear the first note of the Chaffinch, I know that 

 winter is on the eve of its departure, and that sunshine 

 and fine weather are not far off. The Chaffinch never 

 sings when on the wing ; but it warbles incessantly on 

 the trees, and on the hedgerows, from the early part of 

 February to the second week in July ; and then (if the 

 bird be in a state of freedom) its song entirely ceases." 



