XLII. 

 C'UHRUCA HORTENSIS. (flemino.) 



Greater Pettychaps, Greater Fauvktte, Gardex 

 Warbler. 



The Garden Warbler builds its nest about the end of May 

 or beginning of June, in bushy woods, amongst brambles and 

 every species of low tangled brushwood ; in our gardens and 

 pleasure-grounds, in evergreens, and other thick shrubs. 



It is formed outwardly of umbelliferous plants, becoming 

 finer towards the inside, and mixed with the stalks and some 

 flowering heads of grasses, together with very fine roots, and 

 a few hairs. The eggs are four or five in number, and differ 

 very considerably in their appearance ; sometimes as in Fig. 

 1, so closely resembling those of the Blackcap that it is quite 

 impossible to distinguish the two species ; at other times ap- 

 pearing in the more distinct and beautiful markings of Fig. 2, 

 kindly sent me by the Rev. W. D. Fox, and approaching very 

 closely to the eggs of the Lesser Whitethroat. There are 

 many intermediate varieties ; some with the clear colouring 

 of Fig. 2, and having the blotches of neutral tint and dark 

 brown, but smaller and more regularly spread over the sur- 

 face ; some likewise differ considerably in their proportionate 

 length. 



Though you may examine this bird when upon the nest 

 it is extremely difficult to get a good view of it afterwards ; it 

 drops instantly into the thick herbage below, and conceals it- 

 self most effectually. 



