244 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



hedges, or low bushes; it is composed of dry grass, 

 and lined with hair, wool, and other warm mate- 

 rials ; she lays five or six eggs, of a pale greenish 

 colour, marked at the larger end with spots of a 

 reddish brown ; she is so close a sitter during the 

 time of incubation, that she may sometimes be 

 taken on her nest. The male is very attentive to 

 her during that time, and takes his turn in sit- 

 ting. Though not distinguished for its note, 

 which is short, plaintive, and monotonous, this 

 bird is sometimes kept in a cage, and soon be- 

 comes familiar. 



