NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Three species Sagacity Melody. 



Mr. White observes, there are three species of 

 the willow wren : this is called the yellow willow 

 wren ; the other two differ in their size (being 

 smaller) as well as their note; their form and 

 manners are However very similar; the song of 

 the least wiilow wren consists of a single strain, 

 very weak, and frequently repeated. One of 

 these species is common in Westmoreland, where 

 it is known by the name of strawsmeer. It ap- 

 pears in the vallies in. April, and its food consists 

 of insects. 



A willow wren had built in a bank of one of 

 the fields of Mr. White, near Selborne. This 

 bird a friend and himself observed, as she sat in 

 her nest; but they were particularly careful not 

 to disturb her, though she eyed them with some 

 degree of jealousy. Some days after, as they 

 passed the same way, they were desirous of re- 

 marking how the brood went on; but no nest 

 could be found, till Mr. White happened to take 

 up a large bundle of long green moss, thrown as 

 it were carelessly over the nest, in order to mis- 

 lead the eye of any impertinent obtruder. 



This bird may be justly termed the nightingale 

 of the northern snowy countries of Europe. It 

 settles on the most lofty branches of the birch 

 trees, and makes the air resound with its bold 

 and melodious song. 



