32 CLASS AVES. 



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small and not very deep, composed of dried plants without, 

 and a deal of horsehair within. Four or five eggs are laid, 

 marbled with a deep moronne, on a clearer ground of the 

 same colour. If the eggs are touched, the female will aban- 

 don them, though not so speedily as the other warblers. The 

 male relieves her, during the labour of incubation, from ten in 

 the morning to four or five in the evening. The little ones 

 are bom without down, covered with feathers in a few days, 

 and quit the nest very soon, especially if they are disturbed : 

 it is often enough only to approach them, to drive them away. 

 They will then follow their parents, hopping from branch to 

 branch, and they all assemble in the evening to pass the night 

 together. The whole family perch on one branch, the male 

 at one end, and the female at the other, and the little ones in 

 the middle, all closely pressed against each other. After the 

 first brood these warblers will make a second, and sometimes 

 more, if interrupted. 



The male of this species is in great request for the cage. 

 Its song partakes something of that of the nightingale, and its 

 modulations, though not very extended, are agreeable, flex- 

 ible, and varied, and its tones sprightly and clear. To this 

 it adds an amiability of disposition, not at all common. It is 

 most peculiarly affectionate to the person who has the care of 

 it, and will call him in a particular tone. At his approach, 

 its voice grows more expressive of affection. It will dart to- 

 wards him, against the wires of its cage, as if to break through 

 this obstacle, for the purpose of joining him, and by a con- 

 tinual clapping of the wings, accompanied with little cries, it 

 seems to express eagerness and recognition. Such is the pic- 

 ture drawn of it by Olina, and it is of this warbler that Ma- 

 demoiselle Descartes has said, 



" N'en deplaise a mon oncle, elle a du sentiment." 



These birds are procured in various ways. The youn 

 ones taken towards the months of August and September are 



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