THE WREN. 243 



parts it inclines to grey. The tail of this bird is not, as is com- 

 monly the case with most other birds, in a straight line with the 

 back, but it rises considerably upwards, so that one of its distin- 

 guishing characteristics is a cocked tail. It is one of the smallest of 

 our native birds, being less than four inches in length; it inhabits 

 England and Europe at large; it is found also in Asia ; it remains 

 in this country throughout every season. Builds a curious nest, 

 for an account of which see the Introduction ; it may, however, 

 be added here, that such is the instinctive providence of this 

 bird, its nest is generally adapted to the place against or under 

 which it is made ; thus, although its usual structure is green- 

 moss, yet, if it build against the side of a hay-rick, it is composed 

 of hay ; if against a tree covered with white moss, it is made of 

 that material ; this is not, however, anincariable habit : for I have 

 known a wren's nest constructed of green moss at the edge of 

 the thatch of a house, the colour of which was very different 

 from the nest itself: something, doubtless, depends upon the 

 ease or difficulty with which materials can be obtained. Montagu 

 says that the lining is invariably feathers; this is not, I think, 

 correct; I believe when made with gr^cn moss, its lining is, 

 generally, of the same material. Eggs six, eight, or more, 

 whitish, with rusty spots. Feeds on insects. Sings the greater 

 part of the year. It has, besides, a peculiar note, which it often 

 repeats in the spring, similar to chitf chit, chit. 

 The following lines were written many years since. 



TO A WREN', 



tVhichyfor many years, built her nesl behind an ash tree that overhung 

 my garden. 



Little Warbler ! long hast thou 

 Perch'd beneath yon spreading bough; — 

 Snug, beneath yon ivied tree, 

 Thy mossy nest I yearly see, 

 Safe from all thy peace annoys — 

 Claws of cats or cruel boys. 



M 2 



