58 BIEDS AND MAN 



tion, for, while both species have three front toes on 

 each foot, the lapwing has a short hind toe also, which 

 the golden plover has not. 



Curlews and lapwings being, as aforesaid, nearly 

 related, let us compare the behaviour of two song- 

 birds belonging to different groups. I was brought 

 up to regard the robin-redbreast as a member of the 

 SylviidcB or Warblers, but I understand it has now 

 been removed to the Turdidce or Thrush family, 

 because its offspring in the nesting stage are marked 

 with spots, which no self-respecting Warbler would 

 tolerate in her nursery. The wren (that is, the true 

 wren, not the gold-crest, the willow-wren, or the wood- 

 wren, which are classed among the Warblers) is the 

 only British representative of that furtive clan Troglo- 

 dytidcB or Hole-haunters, unless the St. Kilda wren be 

 recognised as a distinct species. Frequenting the same 

 gardens, and commonly believed by children to be 

 husband and wife, no two birds differ more widely than 

 the robin and the wren in their behaviour towards 

 man. The wren will never accept anything from your 

 bounty, remaining distrustful even in the hardest 

 weather. True, it flits closely about human habitations, 

 well knowing what treasure of creeping things gathers 

 under eaves and among outhouses. It will pipe to you 

 its cheerful little lay in all weathers, but will neither 

 offer nor allow the slightest familiarity. But the robin 

 — well, we all know the engaging confidence with which 

 he claims confidence with man. Go where you will — 

 in the garden, in the fields, even on the open moor — if 

 you put your hand to any work with spade or axe, a 



