320 ANNALS OF BIRD LIFE. 



There is a rustic charm about the nest of the 

 Snow Bunting which makes it an exceedingly 

 pretty structure. Outwardly it is formed of 

 slender twigs and roots, then moss and grass, and 

 finally a lining of hair, feathers, and occasionally 

 vegetable down is added. The eggs not at all 

 typical of a Bunting, by the way are six or 

 seven in number, and bluish or yellowish-white, 

 spotted and blotched with rich brown, and some- 

 times streaked with darker brown. Only one 

 brood is reared ; there is no time for a second, 

 although the birds will lay again should their first 

 eggs chance to be destroyed ; and, as soon as the 

 young can fly, the old roving life is resumed, and 

 our restless Snow Buntings become the veriest of 

 nomads once more. 



The fitful, uncertain wanderings of these 

 winter nomads illustrate very forcibly the attach- 

 ment which birds have for their true home an 

 affection which is deeply rooted in the uncounted 

 ages of the past. Most northern birds under- 

 take a regular migration in autumn, because food 

 fails them in their accustomed haunts ; others 

 only wander southwards just as far as they are 

 compelled by the weather ; yet all unerringly 

 return, home as soon as that home country 

 becomes habitable. There is nothing, so far 

 as we can learn, to prevent such birds as 

 Redwings, Fieldfares, and Bramblings remaining 

 behind to breed with us in England ; yet their 

 love for home overcomes every other inclination, 



