REDBREAST. 129 



and to appearance lifeless. They were again brought 

 to the fire, and thoroughly dried ; after which they 

 were placed in the empty nest of another bird that 

 was substituted for the old one, and fixed in a 

 currant-bush, a few yards from the wall where the 

 ivy was. The young ones, which were half-fledged 

 when they got this wetting, still continued to receive 

 the attentions of their parent ; and in due time they 

 were all safely reared, and flew away. It is stated, 

 that it was very curious to observe the familiarity of 

 the old birds during the whole course of these pro- 

 ceedings : they always sat close by, and never seemed 

 the least alarmed at the liberties taken with their 

 progeny. 



The pugnacious disposition of the redbreast 

 towards its own kind, as well as towards other birds, 

 is well known. Mr. Selby sends me the following 

 remarkable anecdote, shewing to what an extent 

 their passion will sometimes carry them, and how 

 completely they are lost to all apprehensions of danger 

 while under its influence. A redbreast had for 

 some time taken up its abode in a hot-house, from 

 which it had egress at pleasure. One day, when the 

 gardener was in the house, another redbreast found 

 his way in ; but he had no sooner made his appear- 

 ance than he was furiously attacked by the usual 

 tenant, and soon shewed that he had the worst of the 

 combat; so severely was he treated, that he was 

 taken up by the gardener, and held in his hand, 

 where he lay struggling and panting for breath. 



G 5 



