376 BRITISH BIRDS. 



I found two nests of this species one on July 21st, from which the young 

 ones had flown, the other about a quarter of a mile lower down the brook, 

 which was not finished when I found it on July 3rd, but on the 15th 

 contained four eggs somewhat incubated. The first nest was supported 

 by last year's nettle-stalks and the greater willow-herb, and was about a 

 foot from the ground. The second was about three feet from the ground 

 and supported by figwort and nettle-stalks, and was some distance from the 

 bank of the stream. The eggs are very different from those of the Reed- 

 Warbler, and more resemble those of the Great Reed- Warbler, but are 

 smaller. The nest, though suspended in the same way as that of the 

 common species, is more loosely constructed, of grasses, both stalks and 

 flowers being used ; it is not so deep, and has no wool about it, this being 

 generally a feature in the Reed-Warbler's nest. Nor was the locality one 

 where I should have expected to find the Reed-Warbler, the stream being 

 small, with an entire absence of reeds, the banks fringed with alders and 

 willows, and in places a considerable growth of coarse herbage. I heard 

 the song several times, and noted its difference from that of the Sedge- 

 Warbler, which also frequented the same place. My unmusical ear, 

 however, failed to distinguish it from that of the Reed- Warbler, with 

 which I am well acquainted. I scarcely saw the parent birds, as they 

 were very shy and kept carefully out of sight. The hen bird left the nest 

 when I approached it the second time/' 



On the continent the geographical range of the Marsh-Warbler differs 

 but very slightly from that of the Reed-Warbler. It is a regular summer 

 visitor to most parts of Europe south of the Baltic. In Russia it has been 

 found as far north as Reval in the west and Ekatereenburg in the east. 

 Finsch records it from South-west Siberia. Russow obtained it iu Western 

 Turkestan, and Blanford in South Persia. Its occurrence in Asia Minor 

 or Palestine is doubtful. It winters in Africa, having been recorded 

 from various parts of the valley of the Nile, Egypt, Nubia, and Lado, 

 almost on the equator. It is also said to winter as far south as Natal. 



The Marsh- Warbler is one of the latest birds of passage to arrive at its 

 breeding-grounds, and one of the earliest to leave in autumn. It is said 

 to arrive about the middle of May, and to depart late in August. The 

 Marsh-Warbler does not frequent reeds as the Reed-Warbler generally 

 does, but confines itself principally to swampy thickets, where brambles 

 struggle through the rank herbage that almost smothers them, and tall 

 willows rise above the brushwood, generally near water, but seldom over- 

 hanging the stream. It is not nearly so skulking in its habits as its 

 nearest relation, but is often seen perched conspicuously on the tops of 

 the willows pouring out its song, or making a long flight from one tree 

 to another. It is a far finer singer than its near ally. It sings quite as 

 loud; but its voice is more melodious and its song more varied. Some- 



