56 



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NEST AND EGGS OF THE REDBREAST. 



PLATE LVI. 



Redbreasts place their nests on or near the ground, 

 fixing them against the root of some old tree or mossy- 

 wall, in a shady and quiet situation; sometimes they 

 nest about farm yards or hay ricks. 



In the nest before me, a large quantity of moss, mix- 

 ed with a few oak leaves and small sticks, form the out- 

 er coat; being bound together with blades of grass and 

 straw. The middle coat consists of the same material, 

 but finer and softer. 



The lining consists of a large quantity of cow's hair. 

 The whole is loosely compacted, and the cavity shal- 

 low. 



The eggs are five or six, of a sort of cream colour, 

 with brown red spots, most numerous on the larger end. 



The Redbreast, when kept tame, is a pleasant bird, 

 and will sing in winter when most others are mute. 



