CHIFF-CHAFF. 
127 
being a splierical structure, covered half the way over with 
materials similar to the rest of the nest, the other half of the 
upper hemisphere being entirely open, exposing perfectly to 
view the eggs within. This description, we believe, will 
generally accord with the nests of the two last-named species; 
although varieties doubtless occur, modified by circumstances. 
The Chitf-chafF is considered one of the earliest of our 
smnmer birds of passage in its vernal migration, and among 
the last to leave this country in autumn. We are not, how¬ 
ever, aware whether this species breeds sooner than others, 
in conformity with its early appearance; but we do not 
remember to have met with its eggs before the middle of 
May. In the middle of June we have found the young birds 
partly fledged. On the third of that month, passing once 
along a road shaded by lofty oaks, we heard some small birds 
making a great deal of noise, as if much disturbed by our 
presence. On stopping to watch, we saw a little pair of this 
species flitting among the lower branches of the trees, and 
alighting upon the palings of the adjoining park. One of our 
young companions climbed the steep bank at the side of the 
road to search for their nest, which it was evident must con¬ 
tain young ones, as one of the old birds had food in its bill. 
The old birds continued to fly over our heads, uttering con¬ 
tinually their alarm-cry, hoo-id! hoo-id! and occasionally 
fluttering just above the person of the climber, as if they 
would by their presence protect their little ones from harm. 
The anxiety of the parents, which increased as their treasure 
was approached, caused the nest to be presently discovered. 
It was near the top of the bank, about eight feet above the 
road, and bedded in its mossy side among long grass and 
brambles: only the mouth of it was visible, within which lay 
seven young birds, partly feathered. The plumage of these 
little nestlings was greenish brown above, and dull rufous 
white beneath. After a few days we passed by the spot 
