BRITISH BIRDS. 



149 



of the Swallow, and ending with the song of 

 the Blackbird. We have often watched with the 

 utmost attention whilst it was singing delight- 

 fully in the midst of a bush close at hand, but 

 have seldom been able to obtain a sight of it. 

 Buffon says, "these pretty warblers arrive when 

 the trees put forth their leaves, and begin to ex- 

 pand their blossoms ; they are dispersed through 

 the whole extent of our plains; some inhabit our 

 gardens, others prefer the clumps and avenues; 

 some conceal themselves among the reeds, and 

 many retire to the midst of the woods." 



