462 



In Madeira it is replaced by a tolerably closely allied though distinct species, Begulus 

 maderensis. 



Being desirous of observing the present species during the breeding-season, I accepted an 

 invitation from my friend Mr. Carl Sachse, of Altenkirchen, near where this bird breeds nume- 

 rously, to spend a few days with him ; and I am now writing these notes on the spot close to 

 where there are several nests of the Fire-crested Wren. The entire country around is covered 

 here and there with tolerably large groves and woods of pine and fir, intermixed with non- 

 evergreen growth ; and in these, more especially in those groves which consist entirely of fir- 

 growth, the present species is numerous, and particularly so just across the frontiers of Nassau. 

 So numerous are they in some localities, that, in spite of the difficulty in detecting their nests, 

 we found fifteen in one day. I am greatly indebted to Mr. Sachse for his courtesy in showing 

 me the groves where the Firecrests are most numerous, besides obtaining for me the assistance 

 of a couple of young peasants who are peculiar adepts in finding nests, as well as excellent 

 climbers ; indeed, without their assistance I should have done but little good. So quiet and 

 still are these birds in their habits that any one not a naturalist might traverse the woods for 

 days without being aware of their presence. A shrill, low, prolonged chirp is the only indication 

 of there being any Firecrests in the neighbourhood ; and even then it requires a close scrutiny of 

 the densely foliaged fir trees to catch a glimpse of the tiny being which is uttering the sound 

 and flitting about amongst the branches. Restless to a degree, I have never seen one quiet for 

 more than a second or two at a time ; and they seem to be continually flitting about amongst the 

 small branches, now, like a Titmouse, clinging underneath the twig or fluttering in the air at the 

 end of a pendent branch, probably picking off some minute insect, then suddenly flying with a 

 short jerky flight to the next tree, or dropping down to another branch to recommence the 

 search for food. It is no easy task to shoot one, unless it shifts its quarters to one of the pine 

 trees, where the foliage is less dense ; for they keep flitting and climbing amongst the thick 

 foliage, so that it is difficult to obtain a clear view of them ; and even then a small twig may save 

 them, and scared by the shot they fly off to another tree and suddenly disappear ; but as they 

 seldom fly far, they may by watching for some time be again discerned. The Golden-crest is 

 likewise found in these woods, but is far less numerous, being in the proportion of about one to 

 ten of the present species. During the entire time I have spent in these woods I have never 

 heard one utter any sound beyond the single feeble shrill call-note above referred to; but 

 Mr. Sachse informs me that during the spring, when pairing, they frequently utter a sort of song 

 which may be heard at a considerable distance. The nest is almost always placed in a fir tree, 

 and, being built close under the centre of the branch amongst the pendent twigs, is by no means 

 easy to discover. Usually they are built on the edge of the grove or by the side of one of the 

 paths cut through the wood, and are sometimes only a few feet above the ground, and at others 

 at an altitude of from ten to twenty or thirty feet. We found four nests quite low down in 

 some small fir trees planted on the side of a road skirting the wood ; and one was skilfully placed 

 in the very centre of a small juniper-bush not four feet above the ground. The lads who accom- 

 panied me tell me that they never found a nest in a pine or larch, and that not one in fifty is 

 ever placed any where except in a fir tree. The eggs are usually deposited early in May ; but 

 this season being a very late one, most of the nests found in the middle of the month contain 



