THE BLACKCAP. 



a short time ; for this bird wastes no time in amuse- 

 ments, appearing to be in great haste to accomplish 

 the object of its visit, and to depart. Thus, im- 

 mediately upon its arrival, we observe it surveying 

 and inspecting places fitting for nidification, and 

 commencing a nest ; but so careful and suspicious 

 is it, that several are often abandoned before finished, 

 from some apprehension or caprice : any intrusion 

 is jealously noticed ; and during the whole period 

 of sitting and rearing its young it is timid and 

 restless. I have observed that both birds will 

 occasionally perform the office of incubation. 



It seems to live entirely by choice on fruits ; 

 and as soon as the brood can remove, it visits 

 our gardens, feeding with delight and almost 

 insatiable appetite on the currant and the rasp- 

 berry ; and so much is it engaged when at this 

 banquet, that it suffers itself to be looked at, and 

 forgets for the moment its usual timidity : but its 

 natural shyness never leaves it entirely ; and though 

 it remains in our gardens or orchards as long as any 

 of its favourite fruits continue, it avoids observa- 

 tion as much as possible, and hides itself in the 

 foliage from all familiarity or confidence. This 

 exceeding dislike of man is very extraordinary. 

 Larger or more important birds might have an 

 instinctive fear of violence ; but this creature is too 

 small and insignificant to have ever experienced 

 or to apprehend injuries from him. It may arise 



