THE WILLOW WREN. 193 



where I have met with it being included, in addition to the British 

 Islands, — as they were for many years in a certain hedge-row of 

 these trees in the neighbourhood of Belfast. On some scattered 

 trees of the Salix Smithiana in the same locality, they were, for 

 a similar reason, almost equally plentiful. In parts of the south 

 of Ireland, the species is known by the name of lady bird. 



A young willow wren caught at the " Falls," soon after having 

 left the nest, became at once, from its familiarity, very attractive. 

 When at liberty in a room, and called by the name of " Sylvia," 

 it immediately flew to and alighted on a finger held out for the 

 purpose, and was so partial to this unnatural perch, as, like a 

 hooded hawk upon the " fist," to remain stationary there when 

 carried out of doors to feed upon the aphides infesting some 

 monthly roses near the house. It did not attempt even to fly to 

 the plants, but rested from choice upon the finger.' 35 ' To the regret 

 of its owners, this bird did not lire long, in consequence, as was 

 supposed, of excessive washing. 



I am indebted to Mr. Poole for the following remarks on the 

 willow wren : — 



" A bird of this species which I had taken from its nest to 

 examine, on being set at liberty, was quickly on its nest again, 

 notwithstanding all the fright it had undergone. There can 

 scarcely be a more beautiful sight to an ornithologist or general 

 lover of nature than a family of willow wrens manoeuvring amongst 

 the hedge-rows on a hot day, in the delightful month of July. 

 Nothing can exceed the downy softness of the lower parts of the 

 young willow wren, which, with its yellow mouth, velvet plumage, 

 and timid yet confiding manner, is altogether as touching 

 an emblem of absolute innocence as can be conceived. The 

 mother with her ceaseless " twee, twee," flies anxiously around 

 you, uneasily endeavouring to instil into her beautiful charge her 

 own distrast of your proximity. As soon as she has succeeded in 



* About Ryde, Isle of Wight, this species was common at the end of July and 

 beginning of August, 1841, and from the windows of our house looked very beauti- 

 ful, ascending the branches and twigs of rose-trees, on which it was most usefully 

 employed, in clearing them of injurious insects. 



VOL. I. O 



