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GAEDEX WABBLEE. 



in the gardens about Sunday's We'll, near Cork; and also has 

 been observed at Ballibrado, in the county of Tipperary, more 

 years than one, by Mr. Henry Fennell, of that place. 



This is a very favourite bird of mine, one that you always 

 fancy to be uncommon, even while knowing that the contrary 

 is the case. It is frequently overlooked, like others of divers 

 races who are of a retiring nature, and more disposed to earn 

 than to seek the reward of merit. 



For the most part it frequents gardens, as its name indi- 

 cates, and also orchards and woods, even such as are more 

 remote from human habitation, leaving the latter however in 

 the autumn for the former. It often builds close to houses. 



It arrives in this country about the end of April or beginning 

 of May, and departs again in September. 



In its habits it is unobtrusive, shy, and retiring, especially 

 when engaged with its nest, and always interesting to watch. 

 It is extremely active and v agile, gliding quickly among the 

 boughs and branches of its shelter, and when on the ground 

 advancing by a series of leaps. Its sweet song generally 

 gives you notice of its vicinity, but if your neighbourhood 

 is made known to it, the song ceases, and the bird drops 

 silently into the nearest cover, and from thence retreats by 

 hopping or flitting to some more secure distance. It is 

 capable of being kept in confinement. 



Its manner of flight is short and rapid. 



Insects, caterpillars, worms, and fruits are its food, and 

 with the latter the young are also at times fed; the former 

 are sometimes captured on the wing, the bird darting upwards 

 after them, and their unerring capture is indicated by an 

 audible snap of the bill. Most fruits, both wild and cultivated, 

 seem to suit its taste the berries of the elder, the privet, 

 the ivy, the barberry, the plum, the apple, the pear, cherries, 

 strawberries, figs, and peas. 



Its note, which is heard up to August, is exquisitely sweet, 

 rich, and flute-like. It is one of those species which, as the 

 Psalmist says, 'sing among the branches.' Its voice is mostly 

 uttered from the depth of some shady recess, but sometimes 

 also from the top of a moderate-sized tree. Some of the notes 

 are low and soft, others loud and clear, and the harmony 

 of the whole falls with a most pleasing cadence on the ear 

 of the listener. It is heard throughout the greater part of 

 the day. 



The nest is made of goose-grass, and other grasses, straws, 



