2 So Country Rambles. 



temperament, and retiring before the advance of 

 population. Plentiful in the rural parts of Cheshire. 

 To get a full view of a redstart is also very difficult, 

 as it is for ever dodging behind a branch, and, as 

 the name implies, is never still. 



THE TREE PIPIT (Anthus arbor eus), ii., 88. 



A lively bird, arriving at the beginning of April, and 

 commencing to sing immediately. Common, build- 

 ing its nest on the ground, and laying the most 

 variously coloured eggs, some being blood-red and 

 others deep black. 



THE CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus), ii., 71. 



Arrives abundantly about the 27th of April, remaining 

 until about August, though young birds of the year 

 have been found in October. However disregardful 

 of its young, the cuckoo makes ample amends in its 

 conjugal fidelity, for when one of either sex is seen, 

 you may be quite sure that its mate is not far off. 



THE WRYNECK, OR CUCKOO'S MATE (Yunx Torquilla), 



ii., 61. 



Rare, coming mostly with the cuckoo, which it some- 

 what resembles. 



THE SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica), ii., 76. 



Common and familiar everywhere. Social, harmless, 

 and useful, and perhaps as much beloved as the 

 robin itself, if only because of its fondness for 

 human habitations. 



