THE HEDGE-SPARROW'S EGG 51 

 otherwise might have been dislodged. The 

 idea is quite in keeping with some of nature's 

 schemes, and coming from such authority- 

 deserves due consideration. Personally, how- 

 ever, I think that this proposition is invali- 

 dated by the fact that the hedge-sparrow 

 rarely if ever places her nest in a position 

 where it is possible for browsing animals to 

 approach it. The hedge-sparrow's nest is 

 almost invariably situated well inside some 

 prickly bush, a quickset hedge, a woodstack 

 or pile of faggots ; in any case, in a position 

 where large animals cannot get at it. In fact, 

 I should say that if there is one small bird's 

 nest fairly secure from the inroads of browsing 

 animals it is the hedge-sparrow's. 



The sight of any colour other than green, 

 where green is expected, might very possibly 

 deter animals from making further investiga- 

 tions in that particular spot ; unless, of course, 

 the animal should be attracted by curiosity, 

 but this is hardly likely in the case of so small 

 an object as a bird's nest. 



To my mind the colours and markings on 

 birds' eggs are not necessarily intended for 

 utilitarian purposes. Like the natural grace 

 of the birds themselves, the loveliness of 

 flowers, the exquisite tints of sea-shells, the 

 splendour of butterflies' wings and a thousand 



