150 TREATISE ON 



because it is by far the finest warbler of the three: 

 Its notes are somewhat like those of the redbreast, 

 but not so loud, or so mellow, though wildly- 

 sweet, and very plaintive. We have often seen the 

 willow- wren shot when in the act of singing, and 

 therefore cannot mistake the species. It "is rather 

 larger than the other two, and in shape it is some- 

 what similar to the hen blackcap, but its plumage is 

 more of an olive-brown and yellow colour." It 

 haunts trees, where we have often heard it pouring 

 out its melodious song from the highest branches ; 

 but it builds on the ground, generally in banks, 

 where we have often found its nest, but always in 

 sequestered situations, amongst open brushwood. 

 We have had one almost covered by primroses and 

 their leaves, also among brambles, and at the root 

 of a wild rose-bush ; it conceals its nest with great 

 ingenuity. Mr White of Silbourne, and a friend 

 of his, observed a bird of this species as she sat 

 on her nest, but forbore disturbing her : A few 

 days after, as they were passing the spot, they 

 looked for the nest, but could not discover it, until 

 Mr White removed a tuft of green moss, which 

 seemed thrown as if at random, over the little 

 dwelling, so completely, as to conceal it from all 

 intruders* 



