22 



In the Tree Sparrow, the sexes are alike in plumage. The 

 crown and nape are reddish-brown instead of grey, as in the 

 cock House Sparrow. There are also two distinct bands of 

 white on the wing instead of one, as in the House Sparrow. 



They are not quite such stay-at-homes as P. Domesticus. 



An eminent entomologist once asked me to let him know if 

 I ever saw a Sparrow take a white butterfly. I was able to let 

 him know I saw a Tree Sparrow take P. Rapce, on the wing, at 

 " West Lodge," 4th June, 1899. 



32. — Chaffinch (Fringilla C celebs). 



These pretty little birds appear at " West Lodge " about 

 the 14th February, the females arriving first, and a few always 

 stay to breed. I remember an exceptionally neat little nest in 

 " The Cedars," by Love Lane, 23rd April, 1895, in a most 

 exposed position. I used often to pass it, and see the little 

 occupant sitting tight, and showing no sign of fear ; but one day, 

 to my sorrow, nest and all had disappeared. 



On 10th May, 1903, we found an unusually small nest in an 

 old thorn at " West Lodge." The hen Chaffinch was sitting on 

 two very small eggs. On the 21st she deserted, and the eggs 

 turned out to be addled. On the 30th she came back to the 

 nest, laid five eggs, and hatched them all. I think it was the 

 same bird, she was so uncommonly small. 



I have long remarked how these birds delight to fly in front 

 of a horse and trap : perhaps for the insects that are put up. 



33. — Linnet (Linota Cannabina). 



I have read somewhere that birds will not nest in privet. 

 Nevertheless, 14th May, 1902, I found at " The Cedars," in a 

 hedge of this description, a Linnet's nest with four eggs in, all 

 of which hatched off successfully. 



34. — Bullfinch (Pyrrhula Europcea). 



I have often seen Bullfinches in " The Cedars' " grounds, 

 but have never noticed a nest. A pair this spring (1903) haunt 

 the pond, which looks like business. I saw the female first, 

 January 27th, and the pair on April 17th. 



