CXVl. 

 CURRUCA CINEREA. (Beciist. 



WlIITKTIliiOAT. 



Whilst the eggs of the rest of the genus Curruca bear 

 a near resemblance to each other, especially in some of 

 their varieties, those of the present species differ much, not 

 only from them but likewise from the eggs of all other birds ; 

 having a character which is peculiar to themselves, and 

 which in the numbers I have seen could not be mistaken; 

 neither do they present any remarkable varieties, Fig. 2 being 

 the most distinct which I have met with. The nest of the 

 Whitethroat, though apparently slight and comfortless, is 

 composed of materials so light and at the same time so 

 strong, that it is much more compact and firm than some of 

 the more substantial looking structures of the Fringillidae, &c. 

 Tt is composed of umbelliferous plants, mixed with spiders' 

 webs and bits of wool, and is generally lined with black 

 horse-hair. It is usually placed in low bushes, brambles, and 

 nettles. The eggs are four or five, and sometimes six ; of the 

 last number I have met with several instances. 



