156 BRITISH BIRDS. 



lined with feathers; in order more effectually to 

 conceal it, they cover it over with leaves, leaving 

 only a narrow winding entrance under the heap. 

 The female lays from five to nine eggs, of a dull 

 white, marked with reddish spots. During the 

 time of incubation, the male sits at no great dis- 

 tance, and makes the woods resound with his 

 delightful warble; he keenly chases all the birds 

 of his own species, and drives them from his little 

 settlement; for it has never been known that two 

 pairs of these birds, who are as faithful as they 

 are amorous, were lodged at the same time in the 

 same bush.* The Redbreast prefers the thick 

 shade, w r here there is water; it feeds on insects 

 and worms; but never eats them alive. It takes 

 them in its bill and beats them against the ground 

 till they cease to move: during this operation it 

 frequently happens that the caterpillar is burst, 

 and its entrails are shaken out, leaving only the 

 body thus cleansed from all its impurities. Some 

 ornithologists have ascribed this to the extreme 

 delicacy of the bird in preparing its repast ; others 

 think that it is only an accidental consequence 

 arising from the manner of putting its prey to 

 death. 



Although the Redbreast never quits this island, 

 it performs a partial migration. As soon as the 

 business of incubation is over, and the young are 

 sufficiently grown to provide for themselves, he 

 leaves his retirement,! and again draws near the 



* Unum arbustum non alit duos erithacos. 



f The Redbreast, as well as some other kinds *of birds, visits the 

 sea-shores in the autumn. 



