The Avifauna. 117 



The Tree-Creeper is often seen running up and 

 round the trunks of the old elm and ash trees in the 

 policies at The Inch. 



Jenny Wren and Cock Robin are known every- 

 where, Craigmillar being no exception. 



The Sedge-Warbler frequents, and occasionally 

 breeds among, the reeds at Duddingston Loch. The 

 nest is generally near the water, among the roots of 

 the sedges, or against stumps of old trees beside the 

 reeds. It is, however, almost impossible for this or 

 any other bird, including the swans, to hatch their 

 eggs or rear their young at Duddingston, so closely 

 and carefully are their nests daily sought for by 

 juveniles, as well as by " roughs " from the city. 

 In point of fact, the provisions of the Wild Birds' 

 Protection Act, so far as the neighbourhood of Edin- 

 burgh is concerned, may be regarded as a dead letter. 

 Though not remarkably melodious, the sedge-warbler 

 sings vigorously, commencing when the sun gets 

 low, and, when the days are at their longest, some- 

 times continuing the entire night. As a consequence, 

 paragraphs appear from time to time in the newspapers 



