THE LESSER WIIITETIIRO^VT. 165 



ing copses and thick hedgerows, and from being 

 .somewhat uncommon, at least in Britain, not 

 very often heard. Bechstein, however, who is an 

 excellent authority in tliese matters, says, that 

 the song, though weak, is so soft, so melodious, 

 and so varied, that it surpasses other warblers. 

 He adds, that while warbling in an undertone, in 

 continuation, it is perpetually hopping about the 

 bushes ; but when going to utter its tones of 

 clap, clap, clap, it stops, and employs the whole 

 strength of the larynx to pronounce this syllable. 

 When caged, and by itself in a room, it rarely 

 utters the clacking tones, and at that time its 

 voice is peculiarly sweet and agreeable. Both 

 there, and in its wild bough, its warbling is almost 

 incessant, so as to deserve its name of babbler. 



This bird usually builds its nest among brambles 

 and low underwood. This is generally formed of 

 strong coarse grasses, lined inside with some finer 

 kinds, with fibrous roots and horsehair. The 

 eggs are smaller than those of the common white- 

 throat ; sparingly spotted and speckled, chiefly at 

 the larger end, with light brown and grey. They 

 are about fi^'c in number. 



This bird is very generally diffused over the 



