256 THE ROBIN 



hollow trees, holes, and crevices. It is well and 

 delicately built; the outer covering consists of dry 

 leaves, the inner of thickly woven moss, rootlets, hair, 

 and feathers. It is difficult to find. The eggs usually 

 number five, occasionally seven ; they are of a yellowish 

 olive-brown speckled with rust colour, the speckling 

 being closer in a ring round the thicker end. Two or 

 even three broods are produced in the year. 



* The Robin and the Wren 

 Are God Almighty's cock and hen. 

 Him that harries their nest, 

 Never shall his soul have rest." 



Grahame sang 



4 Dearer the redbreast's note, 

 That mourns the fading year in Scotia's vales, 

 Than Philomel's where spring is ever new; 

 More dear the redbreast's sober suit, 

 So like the withered leaflet, than the glare 

 Of gaudy wings that make the Iris dim." 



