EGGS AND EGG-COLLECTING. 61 
more thickly towards the larger end. The eggs are 
sharply pointed, and invariably placed with the small endg 
together in the middle. Her nest is placed in a slight 
depression in the earth, which she lines with withered grass, 
rushes, or dried heather. It is situated in long grass, 
rushes, or amongst heather, near to tarns, swamps, bogs, 
and other places suitable to the habitat of the bird. 
THE CHIFFCHAFF. 
Tus bird lays five, six, or seven eggs of white ground, 
dotted with brown or blackish-purple spots, predominating 
at the larger end ; the shell is very delicate, and must be 
carefully handled. Her nest is built of dead grass, the 
skeletons of leaves, tin pieces of bark and moss, lined 
profusely inside with wool, feathers, and hair. It is 
situated amongst furzes, brambles, in hedge-banks near 
the ground, occasionally amongst long grass on the ground, 
and is spherical in shape, with an opening at the side. 
THE MARTIN. 
Tus Martin seems particularly fond of attaching her nest 
to the habitations of man. I have counted eighteen nesta 
in as many feet under the eaves of one house. She builds 
under eaves, angles of windows, arches of bridges, throughs 
of cow-barns, rocks, sea-cliffs, &c. Her nest is composed of 
clay and mud, particularly that found on roads covered 
with limestone, as it possesses great adhesive qualities 
