56 WOODLANDERS AND FIELD FOLK 



thought constitutes the bird's whole song, because 

 these notes are uttered loudly, whereas its others 

 consist of soft, weak strains, yet so variable and 

 melodious that it surpasses all other warblers. 



Although occasionally ascending rather high to 

 build its nest, the usual situation is in some low 

 bush near the ground, or among herbage beneath 

 brambles, or undergrowths affording an impenetrable 

 cover to prowling creatures. Its nest is smaller, 

 and formed of more delicate materials than that of 

 the greater white-throat, though both are from 

 plants of the same species. The four, five, or six 

 eggs are smaller than those of its congener. These 

 are white, with ash-coloured and yellowish-brown 

 spots dispersed about the larger end. 



The lesser white-throat is more common in the 

 southern than in the northern parts of the country, 

 yet there is no county in which it has not occurred. 

 It is partial to certain localities, and this will account 

 for its local attachment and distribution. A curious 

 habit the young of the species has, which probably 

 plays some important part in the bird's economy; 

 a few other species have it in a lesser degree. When 

 disturbed they immediately dart out of the nest, 

 although not fully fledged, and screen themselves 

 in the bushes. 



