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or in the cover of a thicket-hedge, whence it cheers the traveller with its 'ineffably sweet' song. 

 It is constantly in motion ; and when hopping from twig to twig a close observer will notice that 

 it always alights with a peculiar jerk of the body from one side to the other. I have for many 

 years kept large numbers of Warblers in confinement, and have found the following the best 

 staple food for nearly every species; for it admirably combines insects, worms, and frugivorous 

 food, viz. three or four teaspoonfuls of dried ants' eggs soaked in boiling water for half an hour, 

 after which the water has to be drained off; one ounce each of powdered rusks, hempseed, 

 German paste, chopped cabbage, and grocers' currants chopped fine ; two hard-boiled eggs, two 

 figs, and one apple, all chopped very fine. The whole should be well mixed and carefully 

 crumbled into the feeders. It will keep from moulding for three or four days, and need therefore 

 only be made twice a week. I also not unfrequently give my birds rusks with boiling milk 

 poured over them, and to my Nightingales a tin of scraped beef and egg ; and this food I also 

 give occasionally to my other Warblers. I now possess a Garden- Warbler which has been a 

 boon companion of mine for four years ; and a gayer, more sprightly bird I never had. I believe 

 that this is an unusual age for a Garden- Warbler to attain in confinement." 

 The specimen figured is the one above described. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 



a, d, b,2 . Christiania, Norway, June 16th, 1874 (R. Collett). c, d. Hampstead, Middlesex, May 20th, 1870 

 {Davy), e, ? . Casa Vieja, Andalucia, May 8th, 1874 (Col. Irbij). f. Genoa, September 1858 (H. E. D.). 

 g, 2 • Ortakeuy, Turkey, September 17th, 1871 (Robson). h, 6 . Asia Minor, June 10th, 1868 (Robsori). 



B'2 



