4



As regards the systematic position of the Bearded

Reedling, the author takes the wisest course in leaving it where

it has been ; at the same time, his arguments on the subject are

very sound and clearly put. The name, “ Reedling,” which he

gives it, is most suitable and by far preferable to the misleading

one of Tit; but surely, to be consistent, the Hedge Sparrow

should be called an Accentor.


In the article on the Wren, Dr. Butler supports what we

have always found to be a popular delusion, namely, the easy

way in which it deserts its nest. We have known of a nest,

which had had a clutch removed, used again, even though

the eggs of the second clutch were removed every day as they

were laid. Nevertheless, six eggs were laid, and on some of

them being replaced, were successfully hatched and reared.

The so-called “cocks’ nests” are probably resting-places for

the young brood when on the wing.


Dr. Butler slanders the Pipits when he writes of them as

pugnacious. The Tree Pipit is certainly most peaceable as long

as it is not driven from its accustomed corner. Its song in

captivity is also most delightful. We fancy Dr. Butler gets his

ideas of a bird’s pugnaciousness from its behaviour in a sort of

“ happy family” aviary. Any Englishman would feel insulted

if imprisoned with a Red Indian or a Kaffir, and it is not to be

wondered at that an English bird should objedt to a tropical

cousin, such as a Rosa’s Parrakeet.


Lastly, it remains for us to notice the illustrations by Mr.

Frohawk. The coloured plates of the eggs are good : the eggs

being, in most cases, easily recognisable. They have one merit,

that of being drawn diredt from actual specimens ; although too

great prominence seems to have been given to differences in

shape, while some well-known varieties of common eggs have

been omitted, notably, the greenish variety of the Tree Pipit

and the pure blue one of the Spotted Flycatcher. The plates are,

however, executed in Mr. Frohawk’s best style and show the

artist to be a keen observer of nature, which, in pidtures of this

kind, is half the battle. The illustrations are finished off with

great care, as is shown by the little sketches in the background :

two to which # we would especially call attention, being a Thrush

on her nest, and the two Bearded Reedlings on a reed. Mr.

Frohawk is such a good observer that he cannot draw what he

does not see, consequently his attempts at flying birds do not

come up to the others, that of the Bearded Reedling and Blue

Tit being rather stiff.



