PLATE XLIV. 
The Wren 
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Is one of our fmalleft birds, weighing only four drachms : their plumage is of the richeft red 
brown, as reprefented in the plate. It is a bird held in little eftimation as they will not bear caging; 
for although they do not appear to be wild in their nature, but will fuffer themfelves to be eafily 
approached when at liberty, yet when confined in a cage they are totally regardlefs of all kinds of 
food, and beat themfelves with fuch force againft the wires that a few hours puts a period to their 
exiftence. There are very few of our fmall birds that can vie with them in fong, their note being 
powerful and ftrong, particularly in the morning and evening, when two of them are at fome fmall 
diflance apart, they will anfwer each other for fome fpace of time as if each were ambitious to excel 
the other; they frequently fing as they fly, which is not common with other birds : they feed on 
fpiders and infefts of all kinds. Their Nell is generally built in an old Hovel or thatched Barn, and 
is compofed of Green Mofs lined with Feathers, and one part being hid in the thatch or rafters is 
fo conllrufted that it is impoflible to fee the eggs : they lay fronlfeven to nine, which are exceeding 
fmall and white fpotted with red. If they are not difturbed in their building place they will i;pturn 
the fucceeding feafon, and appear partial to remote Villages. 
