182 
SYLV1AM. 
it lias occurred to me in suitable localities, and is not confined 
to where “ reeds and other tall aquatic plants abound” (or 
even grow), as is described ; but is found in the lower grounds 
about old ditch-banks, on which the sloe or blackthorn (Primus 
spinosa) and other shrubby plants afford a safe asylum; also 
on the banks of mountain rivulets at as great an elevation as the 
spontaneous growth of the willow or any underwood forms suffi- 
cient shelter It likewise frequents the wooded borders of 
well-kept ponds, where none of the aquatic plants alluded to 
appear. 
Although perhaps too common-place to be remarked here, it is 
simply from natural inclination, and not from shyness, that the 
sedge warbler inhabits the “ tangled brake.” "When perched, sing- 
ing on a reed, this species has admitted my approach within about 
three paces without ceasing its song ; and I have been amused at its 
practice, so contrary to that of other birds, of singing only when 
I closely passed the bush in which it was. What may perhaps be 
termed its boldness, is evinced by any object flung into its haunt, 
prompting the bird to sing, as if in defiance of the interruption, or, 
as a well-known author might imagine, “to keep its courage 
up.” The amusing song of this species is sometimes heard from 
its arrival until the end of J uly, indeed until its departure, and 
by night as well as by day. It is the warbler chiefly heard in 
summer nights, and consequently has been honoured by the flat- 
tering appellation of Irish nightingale. A bird described to me 
by the Rev. T. Knox, as frequenting the county of Westmeath 
and the vicinity of the river Shannon, is, I have little doubt, the 
sedge warbler. In Connemara, it is said to be common ; also 
in the counties of Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wex- 
ford. With reference to the last, Mr. Poole communicates the 
dates of its arrival in six years to be April 22, 28, 30 ; May 9, 
10, 15 , — the departure in one year is noted 13th of August, but 
the young birds remained longer. The nest is also remarked to 
be “ in brakes or bushes, rushes, &c., close over the stream or 
pond the bird frequents ; ” and the eggs as obtained on the 2nd 
of June. “July, 4, 1846. — A sedge warbler’s nest found in a 
