EGGS AND EGG-COLLECTING. 157 



whilst the bird was incubating without any apparent in- 

 convenience to her. 



THE WATER RAIL. 



As might be expected, the nest of this bird is composed 

 of sedges and flags, in somewhat considerable quantities, 

 and is situated under thick cover in osier-beds and swamps 

 in which alders grow, more especially in the southern 

 counties of England. The hen lays from six to nine eggs 

 of a creamy-white, with a few small reddish spots and dots. 



THE COMMON BUNTING. 



THE Common Bunting lays from four to six eggs of a 

 grey colour, tinged with red-brown, purple-brown, and ash- 

 coloured spots or streaks. Her nest is built of straw and 

 coarse hay outside, lined in the interior with fibrous roots, 

 and sometimes with horse-hair. It is situated amongst 

 coarse grass near to or on the ground. 



THE YELLOW-HAMMER. 



THIS beautiful bird lays from three to six eggs of a dingy 

 white tinged with purple, streaked and veined with purple- 

 brown, the streak or vein generally terminating in a spot 

 of the same colour. Her nest is situated on or near the 

 ground, sheltered by overhanging grass, and is composed of 

 dried or decayed leaves of grass round the exterior, followed 



