THE DARTFORD WARBLER. S3 



invariably lined with line grass and hair. Words- 

 wortli's verses well describe it : — 



" So warm, so beautiful withal, 

 In perfect fitness for its aim ; 

 That to the kind, by special grace. 

 Their instinct sm*ely came. 



" And when for their abodes they seek 

 An opportune recess, 

 The Hermit has no finer eye 

 For shadowy quietness. 



" Oft in sequester'd lanes they build, 

 ^^^lere, till the bird's return, 

 Her eggs within the nest repose. 

 Like rehcs in an um." 



The eggs of this bird arc six in number, and 

 have a white gi'ound, which is, however, almost 

 hidden by numerous spots and speckles of dark 

 purplish red or ash colour. 



The rare Dartford Warbler* {MelizopJiilus Dart- 

 fordiensis), sings as early as the month of February, 

 and for its sweet, though hurried song, deserves 

 mention among our singing birds. It is somewliat 

 weak, but very pleasing. This bird is often 



* The Dartford Warbler is about five inches in length. Upper 

 plumage generally greyish black, approaching to brown on the 

 wings and tail ; throat, breast, and sides chestnut, speckled with 

 white on the chin ; belly white ; beak black, with pale edges : 

 feet pale brown. 



