175 



under shelter of a bush, in a hedge-bottom, or on the grass-grown bank of a deep ditch or brook, 

 and the moss, roots, and hair of which it forms its nest are usually well put together. Exceptions 

 to both these points also happen occasionally." Mr. Blackwall, in some ornithological remarks 

 printed in the first volume of the ' Zoological Journal,' says : — " It is well known that the Yellow 

 Bunting generally makes a very substantial nest, yet from some internal defect (for there did not 

 appear to be any in its external configuration), a female of this species, in June last, deposited its 

 eggs on the bare ground, in which situation it sat upon them till they were hatched. It is 

 evident that birds of the same species possess the constructive powers in very different degrees of 

 perfection ; for, though the style of architecture is usually adhered to, the nests of some indi- 

 viduals are finished in a manner greatly superior to those of others." We have ourselves found 

 the Yellow Bunting's egg deposited on the bare ground, but whether by accident or intention we 

 are unable to say. 



The eggs, from four to five in number, are dull white, occasionally with a russet tinge, and 

 are profusely covered with long hair-like markings, giving the appearance of having been drawn 

 by a pen. This peculiarity has gained for it in some parts of England the provincial name of 

 " Writing-Lark." Naumann states that the male assists in the incubation, taking the place of 

 the female several hours in the course of the day, and that the young are hatched in thirteen 

 days. 



Our descriptions and figures are from a pair in our collection, in full summer plumage. 



In the preparation of the above article we have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. Sharpe and Dresser, 

 a, b, c, d. Hampstead (Davy). e,f,g, h, i,j. Piedmont (Salvadori). k. Crimea (Whitely). 



E Mus. J. H. Gumey, jun. 

 a, b, c, d, e. Greatham, Durham (J. H. G.). f. Somersetshire (./. H. G.). g. Northrepps, Norfolk (/. H. G.). 



E Mus. Lord Lilford. 

 a. Lilford (L.). 



E Mus. Salvin and Godman. 

 a,b. Surrey (F. G.). c. Cambridge (O. S.). d. Cambridge {Baker). e. Sarpsborg, Norway {Baker), 

 f. Borregard, Norway (Baker) . 



E Mus. H. B. Tristram. 

 a. Greatham, Durham (J. H. Gurney). 



x2 



