Houses sp Gardens 15 



small migratory warblers whose presence, except for 

 his call, is unnoticed by the majority of people. A 

 little slender billed greenish-yellow bird with pale 

 underparts, which flits noiselessly from tree to tree, 

 peering industriously for its insect food. How such 

 frail little fellows such as the chifFchafF, the willow 

 .and garden warblers, the sedge and reed warblers, 

 are able to make their long spring and autumn aerial 

 journeys, is all but a mystery. When settled in their 

 summer quarters, they seem to cling to the shelter of 

 woods, meadows, and shrubberied gardens, as if they 

 would not trust themselves in places where a flight 

 of any great length were necessary. 



In the case of the minute and beautiful golden- 

 crested wrens, a migration across the waves of the 

 sea is still more a matter of marvel ; but that they do 

 so is only true, and at times pass over certain well- 

 known landmarks, such as the island of Heligoland, 

 in countless thousands. The jolly little nut-brown 

 cock-tailed "Jenny" wren, seems to be a resident all 

 the year round. He cheers one's ear with his bright 

 hurried song, even in the depth of winter, if the 

 weather is not too severe and the sun sends forth his 

 rays, however feebly. In winter time, too, wrens will 

 visit the house, tripping nimbly, but with due caution, 

 along the window sills ; sometimes venturing into a 

 room, and often into a conservatory. 



A dish of meal-worms, from which the worms 

 cannot escape, may attract them and provide them 

 with a good dinner, when other insect food may be 

 scarce. 



