338 NUTHATCH. Class II. 



entrance to its nest be too large, it stops up 

 part of it with clay, leaving only room enough 

 for admission : in autumn it begins to make a 

 chattering noise, being silent for the greatest 

 part of the year. Doctor Plot tells us, that 

 this bird, by putting its bill into a crack in the 

 bough of a tree, can make* such a violent sound 

 as if it was rending it asunder, so that the 

 noise may be heard at least twelve score 

 yards. 



The Nuthatch migrates in Italy ; a few only 

 remain there during the winter. 



* There is every reason to believe that this assertion is ill- 

 founded. Ed. 



