SYLVIAD^. 57 



doubt to the invigorating influence of fresh air and natural 

 food." 



The food of the Nightingale consists of various insects 

 and their larvse, and, towards the end of summer, of various 

 berries, as currants, elder-berries, etc. (PL VI. fig. 35.) 



THE THRUSH NIGHTINGALE. Philomela turdoides. Of 

 this species the Rev. O. Morris says, ' ' The nest is built in 

 small thickets, but most frequently in low and damp situa- 

 tions. The eggs are of a brownish-olive colour, stained 

 with deep brown." 



THE BLACK-CAP. Curruca atricapilla. The Black-cap 

 is a more abundant species in Britain than the Nightingale, 

 and more equally distributed, and among the Warblers is 

 considered only second to it in song. It builds its nest 

 about the end of May or the commencement of June, in 

 some bush, or in brambles, nettles, etc., and not far from 

 the ground. The nest is slight, composed of fibrous roots, 

 dry stalks, and grass, lined with the finer grasses and a few 

 hairs. The eggs, four or five in number, vary considerably 

 in colour, but may perhaps be described as generally of a 

 reddish-brown colour, with spots of a darker tint, inter- 

 mixed with others of an ashy-grey. One very beautiful 

 variety is of a pink or rose-colour. (PL X. fig. 70.) 



