THE WREN. 241 



banks, and remain in them some considerable time, often 

 reappearing at holes far away from 'the place he first 

 entered. Owing to its feeble flight, the Wren can 

 speedily be captured in open places, and the birds appear 

 to be well aware of their weakness in this respect by 

 seeking the densest cover when chased or suddenly 

 alarmed. I have known them when hard pressed take 

 refuge under leaves or creep into any convenient hole, 

 there to lie still and motionless until the threatened 

 danger has passed. Thus we see that if Dame Nature 

 has not gifted the Wren with wings of sufficient strength 

 to carry him quickly out of danger, she has dressed him 

 in a garb harmonising with the colours' of his favourite 

 haunts, and taught him in an effectual manner arts of 

 deepest wile for his self-preservation. 



The food of the Wren is composed of insects of 

 various kinds and their larvae. Also we sometimes see 

 him about ants' nests, searching for their eggs. Fruit, 

 too, is devoured in its season ; and when winter makes 

 food scarce he will often feed on the crumbs at your 

 door. But never is the Wren, so closely connected in 

 youthful minds with the Robin, seen in motions so trust- 

 ful as that little bright-eyed red-breaSted songster. 



