THE BIRDS OF BRECONSHIRE. 49 



and although I have heard it near Brecon, ten miles on this side 

 of the place referred to, I am disposed to believe that there is 

 a great deal of truth in the saying". 



Blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla. — Fairly common. It used to 

 breed in my garden at Vennyvach, near Brecon, every year. 



Garden Warbler, Sylvia hortensis. — Very rare here. I have 

 only known of one instance of its occurrence, and on this occasion 

 the nest and eggs were taken. 



Whitethroat, Sylvia cinerea. — Very common here. 



Lesser Whitethroat, Sylvia sylviella. — Very rare ; I have 

 never yet met with or seen a specimen. I give it place, however, 

 among the birds of our county, on the authority of one of our 

 resident landlords, himself a keen and observant naturalist, who 

 has noticed it from time to time. Like many of our migratory birds 

 (notably the Spotted Crake), it probably visits various places in 

 the county year after year, whilst others are constantly avoided. 



Wood Wren, Phylloscopus sibilatrix. — Very rare. 



Willow Wren, Phylloscopus trochilus. — Fairly common. 



Chiffchaff, Phylloscojms hypolais. — I have noticed occa- 

 sionally, but do not consider it to be particularly common. 



Golden-crested Wren, Regulus cristatus. — Very common, 

 the numerous larch plantations in the county being most suitable 

 to its habits. It is usually considered a scarce bird, probably 

 from its small size and inconspicuous colour, but I see it con- 

 stantly, and there can be no doubt of its abundance here. 



Fire-crested Wren, Regulus ignicapillus. — Common, but not 

 so much so as the last-named bird. I have had many specimens 

 brought me, and have killed several myself for the purpose of 

 identification. This and the Goldcrest are very hardy birds, and 

 during the severe frost of January last, when so many other birds 

 perished, these merry little fellows were actively searching for 

 their food in the firs and larches as usual, not seeming to care 

 for or feel the bitter cold. 



Common Wren, Troglodytes parvulus. — Very abundant, and 

 like the Robin, a universal favourite with the Welsh. 



Great Titmouse, Parus major. — Very abundant. A lady 

 living near us has continually suspended from her verandah a 

 hard piece of fat bacon. Many birds come and feed on it ; 

 amongst others a great number of Tits, who seem to consider it 

 their special property. 



h 



