J26 



THE REED WARBLER, 



Or Reed Wren, is hardly five inches and a half in length : 

 its plumage is brown above, and whitish beneath. This 

 little bird suspends its nest in a very curious manner 

 between three or four reeds, or upon some plant over- 

 hanging the water. It is fastened by means of reads and 

 dry grass, 'of which materials its outside is chiefly com- 

 posed j it is lined with the tufted flowers of the reeds, dry 

 grass, and a few horse-hairs. The nest is very deep 

 within, and thus secures the eggs, which otherwise would 

 be easily thrown out, as the nest is agitated by every gust 

 of wind, often bending nearly to the level of the water. 

 This species is found in the eastern parts of England, but 

 is so shy that it can seldom be discovered. 



THE EPICUREAN WARBLER, 



Or Beccafico, is esteemed as a very great delicacy by the 

 epicures of the continent; especially during the autumn, 

 when it feeds on grapes and figs, amongst which it commits 

 great havoc. Its length does not exceed five inches ; its 

 plumage is brownish, white beneath, with ashy spots on 

 the breast. It is found in all the continental countries of 

 Europe} and abounds to such a degree in Cyprus and 

 Candia, that these islands annually export to Italy not less 

 than 1000 or 1200 pots of the birds, filled up with vinegar 

 and herbs. 



THE BLACKCAP WARBLER 



Is nearly six inches long; its plumage is of a grey, but 

 varying brown above, and light ash colour below ; the 

 hinder part of the head is black in the male, and rust 

 colour in the female. The song of this species is so fine, 

 that it has been by some equalled to that of the Nightin- 

 gale ; it has not, however, so great a compass. It comes 

 to England early in the spring ; it frequents orchards and 

 gardens, and, in a less degree, woods and thick hedges 



