THE BLACKCAP'S BOWER 17 



branch is one of the prettiest of sights ; and the 

 young creatures when they receive what is brought 

 flutter their little wings in evident pleasure and 

 satisfaction. 



In a quiet spot where the wood is bordered by a 

 stream, there is a number of thick bushes covered 

 with woodbine, and bounded on one side by old 

 oaks with ivy-covered branches, firs growing on 

 the other side. It is in this sylvan spot that the 

 Blackcap may be found each spring ; and while 

 one stands on the stream bank he may occasionally 

 be seen moving among the bushes. It is our good 

 fortune sometimes to see him sitting on an exposed 

 branch, and in full song ; but not often is he thus 

 caught, for he loves to sing in the innermost 

 recesses of the thick undergrowth. 



Some lovers of Nature have said that they prefer 

 the Blackcap's song to the Nightingale's, but I 

 cannot say I agree with them, although the song 

 of the former is very fine, the loud, pure, flute-like 

 notes being both beautiful and striking in their 

 vvildness. 



The nest is well concealed in a tangled mass of 

 vegetation near the bottom of the bushes ; and if 

 we know the exact spot where this is built, and 

 move, the branches carefully aside, the hen, or it 

 may be the cock, will be found sitting on the eggs. 

 3 



