218 ornithologist's text-book. ivy wren. 



natural state. That gentleman has lately written 

 to me as follows : — 



" I have, for many years, possessed two or three 

 Ivy Wrens, and find them by no means so difficult 

 to preserve as is mentioned by some authors. But, 

 both in summer and winter, a little care is requi- 

 site. In hot weather they require, besides their 

 ordinary food, a constant supply of insects, and in 

 winter, a considerable degree of warmth is at all 

 times indispensable. It is partial to currants and 

 elderberries, especially the former, but will not 

 touch apple or pear." 



I am not aware that this species is subject to 

 variety, and the sexes resemble each other so 

 closely as to be distinguished only by the practised 

 eye of the experienced Ornithologist. 



