WREN. 
TROGLODYTES FULGJRIS. 
There are few parts of the British Islands in which this diminutive species is not well known. The name of 
Jenny Wren is almost as familiar in most localities as that of Cock Robin. Like the latter, the Wren (in England 
and Scotland at all events) is exempt from the persecution that is not unfrequently inflicted on other small 
birds. Even the juvenile members of the population appear to have a respect for their nests; and it is hut 
seldom that their eggs or young are molested. In some country districts, particularly in East Sussex, I 
remarked it was considered unlucky even to touch their nest, the general impression being that if only a finger 
was inserted the structure would be deserted. 
I have now and then recognized this active little bird in the most exposed situations, where I should never 
have looked for or even expected to find it unless I had accidentally become aware of its presence. On a 
rough and stormy day early in June 1878, I made an attempt to cross the hills from Inverness-shire into one 
of the neighbouring counties, but, owing to the force of the wind, which had rapidly increased into a perfect 
hurricane, was compelled to turn back before half the journey was accomplished. While sheltering from a 
blinding squall behind some slabs of rock near the entrance of the pass, my attention was attracted by the shrill 
notes of the consequential little songster, who was strutting up and down on a large block of stone. Heavy 
drops of rain and sleet pattered on the rock ; but for a time he kept his position in defiance of the storm. At 
last a furious gust of wind, which, as it howled through the crags near the summit of the cliffs, dislodged several 
massive splinters of granite, came roaring down the glen, and literally swept the tiny mite from his perch. 
A few minutes later, wdien the main force of the squall had passed over, he was singing again as gaily as ever 
on the dripping stones. The loudness of the notes and the distance at which they were audible were somewhat 
astonishing considering the size of the performer. On other occasions I have found this species located far up 
among the hills, where heather, coarse grass, and a few moorland plants were the only covering to the steep 
mountain-side. On the approach of winter, I believe these birds betake themselves to more sheltered quarters 
on the low ground. I cannot call to mind having noticed a single specimen at any elevation on the hiUs when 
the country was covered with snow. 
During the cold nights of winter. Wrens commonly collect together at roosting- time for wmrmth. Shortly 
before dusk I have repeatedly watched as many as eight or ten flying, one after another, into a hole in a hay- 
stack or the thatch of an outhouse. 
The habits of this species, as well as its manner of nesting, have been so accurately described by several 
writers, and are so generally well known, that any description I could give would be superfluous. 
