REDBREAST. 261 



offices to their progeny without interruption, and appa- 

 rently without alarm." 



These birds also exhibit great attachment to each other. 

 One that was " caught and caged by the editor of the 

 Naturalist in winter was for several weeks constantly 

 attended by its mate ; which seems to prove that this 

 bird pairs for life. When any one approached the cage, 

 the male bird departed very unwillingly ; and if wholly 

 excluded from the room in which the prisoner was con- 

 fined, it would utter the most unceasing and piteous wail- 

 ings. After some time, however, the visits became gra- 

 dually less frequent, and at length ceased altogether." 



With many redeeming qualities, the Robin is, however, 

 one of the most pugnacious among birds, and maintains 

 his right to a certain limited domain against all intruders. 



The Robin breeds early in spring : its nest is formed 

 of moss, dead leaves, and dried grass, lined with hair, and 

 sometimes a few feathers : the nest is frequently placed 

 on a bank sheltered by brushwood, or a short distance 

 above the ground in a thick bush or lane-hedge, sometimes 

 in a hole of a wall partly covered with ivy. The eggs are 

 from five to seven in number, white, spotted with pale 

 reddish brown ; the length nine lines and a half, by seven 

 lines and a half in breadth. 



Generally diffused over England, Ireland, and Wales, 

 the Redbreast is also an inhabitant of the most northern 

 counties of Scotland ; but, according to Mr. Dunn, it is 

 more rare in the Shetland Islands than it is in Orkney. 

 It also visits Denmark and Sweden in the breeding season ; 

 and so well does it bear cold weather, that among the 

 summer visitors to the latter country, M. Nilsson observes 

 that the Robin is one of the first to come, and one of the 

 last to go. Mr. Hewitson also saw it in Norway. 



It is a constant resident throughout the year in the 



