THE COMMON WREN. 



nine members of the species will con- 

 gregate together in one hole at night, 

 and by a combination of their natural 

 warmth sleep in snug safety. 



A Wren's nest is very large for the 

 size of the builder, is oval in shape, has 

 a domed top, and a small entrance-hole 

 in front. The bird is famous for the 

 number of nests it builds and never 

 occupies with either eggs or young. 

 These structures, which are not finished 

 inside by a lining of down or feathers, 

 are supposed to be built by the males, 

 and are called " cocks' " nests. Nobody 

 knows with any degree of certainty why 

 they are built. It has been suggested 

 to roost in during cold winter nights, 

 but careful investigations have convinced 

 me that there is nothing in this theory. 



Boys and girls have an idea that if 

 they thrust an inquiring finger e^'er so 

 deftly into a Wren's nest the bird is sure 

 to discover the fact and desert. With- 

 out wishing for one moment to do poor 

 " Jenny " an ill turn by destroying 

 this wholesome fear and encouraging 

 investigation, the truth must be told. 

 There is really nothing in the theory. 

 If the structure be deserted, in all pro- 

 bability it is a " cock's " nest, and was 

 63 



