THE CHAFFINCH AND BRAMBLING. 175 



nest we see an example of her protective power. On the 

 lichen-covered trunk lichens dot the walls of her abode ; 

 in the holly bush green moss is used instead ; while 

 against the trunk of a tree spiders' webs are used. I 

 would here again remark that a bird has not the least 

 idea that its nest will be plundered, and it is not fore- 

 thought that influences them in making those various 

 provisions for the present or future welfare of their eggs 

 and young which we class as protective instinct. The 

 Chaffinch, as is every other bird, is perfectly unconscious 

 of the good she is effecting when covering her nest with 

 lichens to assimilate it to the lichen-covered branch 

 that supports it. But urged by the power we term in- 

 stinct, planted within her by her all-merciful Creator, 

 she does so, unconsciously, it is true, but in an effectual 

 manner. The Chaffinch is an anxious bird when 

 building, and should you intrude upon her when so 

 engaged, she and her mate fly hither and thither, and 

 course over the branches, making the air resound with 

 their monotonous call notes, seemingly speaking of 

 anger and alarm, for the Chaffinch shows more anxiety 

 for its uncompleted nest than probably any other bird 

 we meet. 



The eggs of the Chaffinch, four or five in number, 

 sometimes even six, are pale bluish-green, spotted with 

 deep purplish-brown, and occasionally streaked with the 

 same colour. Some specimens have all the colouring 

 matter collected in a mass on the larger end, and others 

 are entirely spotless. The female bird is the one who 

 hatches the eggs, and she is fed assiduously by her mate, 

 and her long dreary task is made light and pleasant by 

 his bright and vigorous notes close at hand. While 

 sitting on her nest I sometimes see her catch the insects 

 flying near. I have never yet found the egg of the 



