THE CHAFFINCH. 15 



they can obtain a suitable position. This must be one of 

 exceptional security ; sometimes a slight clump of branches, 

 or a convenient fork, but oftener upon the top of a lichen- 

 covered protuberance where a small bough offers a firm rest- 

 ing place. The nest is certainly wonderful in its structure, 

 bound firmly round the limb of the tree, and formed of 

 small roots and grasses and moss, lined in the most perfect 

 manner with wool, horsehair, and feathers, and covered 

 entirely without with the beautiful lichens to be found upon 

 the neighbouring trees, so that as nearly as possible the nest 

 may resemble in appearance the bark of the tree upon which 

 it is built. 



Within this sweet little nest the hen lays her four or five 

 eggs, sitting upon them with exemplary patience and assi- 

 duity; sometimes she has allowed herself to be taken rather 

 than desert her treasures. The male assists to the best of 

 his ability, and when disturbed by any intruder, neither of 

 the birds fly away far, but remain within the close vicinity 

 of the nest uttering a pitiful cry until the disturbance is 

 past. In about fourteen days the young are hatched, and 

 are fed by the parent birds, chiefly upon insects of various 

 kinds (they themselves living principally upon seeds and 

 grains), until in about a fortnight these young birds are 

 able to leave the nest ; then another nest is commenced, 

 and the routine described above having been duly observed 

 another quickly follows, as the Chaffinch has two or three 

 nests a year. Whilst engaged in housekeeping, the Chaffinch 

 will seldom allow any other birds of his own species to live 

 near him, being himself absolute king of the neighbourhood. 



The Chaffinch, being long and shapely built, has a par- 

 ticularly graceful flight ; and if disturbed whilst feeding 

 upon the ground, rises with a sudden upward flight, and 



