THE WILLOW WREN. 79 



The nest of this bird is composed of gi-asses, 

 mosses, and dried leaves, and lined with feathers. 

 It ia of an oval or rounded shape, having a small 

 opening near tlic top, and containing six or seven 

 eggs, wliich arc white, spotted witli reddi.sh broAvn, 

 the spots being most numerous at the larger end. 

 It is usually built in ^lay, and is concealed among 

 tlic moss or gi'ass of the hedge-bank. 



An interesting account of tlie attachment of 

 tlie willow wren to its nest, is given by a lady 

 who writes thus in the " Field Naturalist," — " In 

 the spring of 1832, walking through an orchard, 

 I was attracted by something on the gi'ound in 

 tlic form of a large ball, and composed of dry 

 grass. I took it up in my hands, and upon 

 examination, found it was a domed nest of the 

 willow wren. Concerned at my precipitation, 

 I put it down again as near the same place as 

 I could suppose, but with very little liope that 

 the arcliitect would ever claim it again after 

 such an attack. I was, however, agreeably sur- 

 prised to find next day tliat the little occupier was 

 still proceeding with its work. The feathers in- 

 side were increased, as I could perceive by the alte- 

 ration in colour. In a few days two eggs were laid, 



