BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 223 



perches on the topmost bough of hedge-rows, ut- 

 tering its monotonous and simple note ; or flitting 

 along in short interrupted flights, as if incapable of 

 escaping from the passer-by. It generally builds 

 in May, and makes choice of a low bush or hedge 

 for that purpose, though we have seen a nest in a 

 moist mossy bank above a streamlet, canopied by 

 a plant of avens, the decayed leaves of which laid 

 the foundation for the nest, while the gi-een foliage 

 and bending flowerets concealed the artless dwel- 

 ling from public view. But the yellow bunting 

 rarely builds on the ground, preferring a low bush, 

 or among reeds in moist places; " where grows 

 the willow and osier dank." In winter it assem- 

 bles in flocks with the chafiinch, the sparrow, &c. 

 to pick up grain, rape-seed, &c. in stack-yards. 



Few, we believe, keep the yellow hammer as a 

 bird of song. Some years ago we possessed one 

 which we reared from the nest ; it was extremely 

 docile, and showed great aptness in learning what- 

 ever we attempted to teach it. 



This was a lively, playful bird even in confine- 

 ment, except only, when after enjoying restrict- 

 ed freedom, it returned to its cage ; then, for a 

 few minutes, it appeared sad and listless, but short- 

 ly after resumed its vivacity. When it was permit- 



