finging during a fall of fnow, and generally continues its 

 lively note till late in the evening. It builds in hay-ftacks, 

 trees, and in the fides of banks. Mr. Montague remarks, 

 * f the materials of the neft are generally adapted to the place ; 

 if it is againft the fide of a hay- rick, it is compofed of hay ; 

 if againft the fide of a tree covered with white mofs, it is made 

 of that material, and with green mofs, if the tree is covered 

 with the fame or in a bank. Thus inftinct directs it for fecu- 

 rity. The lining is invariably of feathers. 



" The Wren does not begin the bottom of the neft firft^ 

 which is ufual with mo ft birds, but flrft (as it were) traces 

 the out-line againft a tree, which is of an oval fhape, and by 

 that means faftens it equally ftrong to all parts, and afterwards 

 enclofes the fides and top, leaving only a fmall hole near the 

 top for entrance." 



Its food is chiefly infects, in queft of which it runs up and 

 down the fides of trees or banks, in the manner of the tit- 

 moufe ; it flies but a very fhort diftance at a time, contenting 

 itfelf by flitting about from twig to twig, efcaping obfervation 

 principally by its colours aflimilating with the ground it lights 

 on ; which may be confidered as a protection wifely difpenfed 

 by Providence to the weak and molt defencelefs part of his 

 creatures. 



