124 THE NUTHATCH. 



On the Bordeaux side of the Garonne, and near the city, are 

 large spaces of marshy ground, intersected by broad ditches and 

 creeks terminating in the river ; where, from the advantage derived 

 from the water, many poplars and willows are planted for the sake 

 of the twigs, which are much used for tying vines. The trees being 

 topped at about ten or twelve feet from the ground, so as to induce 

 them to sprout much, become very thick, and in the course of a few 

 years, gradually decaying at the centre, are attacked by numerous 

 insects, particularly the jet ant (Formica fuliginosa). In these 

 retired places, which are frequented only by a few cowherds and 

 country people, the Hoopoe, which is a very shy bird, may be fre- 

 quently observed examining the rotten wood, and feeding on the 

 insects with which it abounds. The Hoopoe flies low and seldom, 

 unless when disturbed, its food being so abundant as to require 

 little search. It breeds in a hollow willow about the end of May. 

 The young come out in June. 



Mr. Mitchell, in his poem, entitled ' Euins of many Lands,' 

 gives to the cry of the bird a soothing sound : 



Sweet is the bubbling fountain, cool and clear, 



To him who, faint and weary, journeys here. 



Such yonder flows here some kind angel sent, 



To waste so wild, this bright blest element. 



Drink, thou poor steed ! while, couched on moss and flowers, 



We stretch our limbs, and pass the sultry hours. 



The almond tree, faint rustling o'er our head, 



The rill that purls along its pebbly bed, 



The green cicada chirping 'mid the grass, 



The crested Hoopoes singing as they pass, 



All charm the sense, and soothe the pensive heart, 



And bid sweet dreams and gentlest fancies start. 



THE NUTHATCH (Sitta Europcea). This pretty little bird, 

 whose length is about five inches and three quarters, and 

 weight nearly one ounce, resembles the Woodpecker in 

 many of its habits, as will be seen by the description 

 which follows. It belongs to the order of Reptatrices, or 

 Creepers, and the family Sittince, or Nuthatches, of which 

 it is the only British representative. Its plumage is on 

 the upper parts of a blueish grey colour ; lower parts light 

 yellowish brown, deepening into brownish red at the sides. 

 There is a distinct black band passing from the base of the 

 bill over the eye to the back of the head. It is a stout 

 bird, with a very short tail, and resembles in some respects 



