16 



The nest and eggs are also a study in themselves, and 

 always bring back to one's mind pleasant ideas of spring in 

 the country. 



It is much to be deplored that country lads do all in 

 their power to lessen the number of these beautiful birds, 

 by always wantonly taking and destroying their nests. 

 Were it for no other reason, this should be prevented if 

 possible, on account of the breach of confidence which it 

 involves, as scarcely any other bird has become so domes- 

 ticated and fearless of man, always building near our 

 dwellings. 



Turdus Merula. 



Blachhird. 



EGG OBSERVED. 



April 10th, 1865. 

 March 28th, 1866. 

 April 4th, 1867. 

 April 18th, 1868. 

 April 6th, 1869. 

 1870. 



Like the last a very well-known and favourite bird, and 

 to my thinking a very handsome one. There are several 

 birds which are liable to variation in the colour of their 

 plumage, part or in some cases the whole of which varies 



