148 BRITISH LAND BIRDS. 



nearer and nearer, till within an arm's reach of the 

 foe, still continuing his clamorous outcry. This 

 curious scene lasted for an hour or more, till at 

 length puss, disliking the noise, or tired of roast- 

 ing himself on the hot tiles, retreated in-doors, 

 leaving the poor little courageous bird at peace. 



Like some other birds, the redbreast is remark- 

 able for the peculiarity of the places in which it 

 sometimes builds its nest ; often within the habita- 

 tions of man. A window curtain, a book-shelf, a 

 cornice, a reading-desk, have all been chosen by 

 our confiding little friend, and even a child's 

 covered-cart. In all these instances the birds 

 reared, tended, and brought off their broods, quite 

 regardless of the presence of persons in the rooms 

 into which they had intruded. 



The COMMON WREX, is abundant in all parts of 

 the country, remaining with us the whole year. 

 Considering the diminutive size of the bird, its 

 song is clear and loud, so that one is surprised at 

 its proceeding from so tiny a musician. It is very 

 small, and its form is short and dumpy. It carries 

 its tail, which, though short, is very strong for 

 the size of the bird, in a nearly erect posture. 

 That structure of tail enables it to balance itself, 

 so that it can drop down (its most important 

 motion) with great agility. Among our small 

 birds there is scarcely one better known or more 



