420 THE WSEX. 



black and white spots, and may be reared on ants' eggs, with 

 which the common universal paste may be mixed by degrees. 

 I know an instance in which a "Wren actually built a nest and 

 laid eggs in the sleeve of an old coat. 



Mode of Taking. During the winter the Wren may be taken 

 in a Tit trap, baited with meal worms. In autumn they are 

 often caught in springes, set with elderberries, though this 

 mode frequently injures their feet. 



Attractive Qualities. The "Wren is an exceedingly lively 

 bird, particularly active and engaging in its movements. For 

 so small a bird, its song is loud, and lasts throughout the year. 

 It is not unpleasant, and in some of its tones resembles that 

 of the Canary. Its call is Terr, Tzerzererrrr ! I have not 

 myself been able to preserve it for more than a year, though I 

 am assured by other amateurs that it may be kept for two or 

 three. 



ADDITIONAL. With a few exceptions, embracing the Kinglets, 

 the Creeper, the Chiff-Chaff, and the smaller Tits, the Kitty, or 

 Jenny Wren, as it is familiarly and affectionately called, is the 

 smallest of our native birds, as well as the best known, if we 

 except the Robin-Redbreast, with which in popular regard it is 

 generally associated. MUDIE and MACGILLIVEAY both give a 

 good account of this lively little songster ; the latter says, that 

 " its flight is effected by a rapid and continuous motion of the 

 wings, and therefore is not undulated, but direct ; nor is it sus- 

 tained, for the bird merely flits from one bush to another, or from 

 stone to stone. It is most frequently met with along stone walls, 

 among fragments of rocks, in thickets of whins, and by hedges, 

 where it attracts notice by the liveliness of its motions, and fre- 

 quently by its loud chirring noise. When standing, it keeps its 

 tail nearly erect, jerks its whole body smartly ; then hops about 

 with great alacrity, using its wings at the same time, and continu- 

 ally enunciating its rapid chit. Although it seldom ascends a 

 tree directly, like the Creeper, it may often be seen climbing 

 sidewise to some height, and on fences or bushes it usually makes 

 its way to the top by hopping from one spot to another. If 

 usually pleased with a low station, it yet sometimes ascends even 

 to the higher branches of very tall trees, and may occasionally 

 be seen there in company with Kinglets and Tits. In spring and 

 summer, the male has a very pleasing, full, rich, and mellow 

 song, which it repeats at intervals ; and even in autumn, and on 

 fine days in winter, it may occasionally be heard hurrying over 

 its ditty, the loudness and clearness of which, as proceeding from 



