THE WILLOW WREN. 
193 
where I have met with it being included, in addition to the British 
Islands, — as they were for many years in a certain hedge-row of 
these trees in the neighbourhood of Belfast. On some scattered 
trees of the Salix Smithiana in the same locality, they were, for 
a similar reason, almost equally plentiful. In parts of the south 
of Ireland, the species is known by the name of lady bird. 
A young willow wren caught at the “ Falls,” soon after having 
left the nest, became at once, from its familiarity, very attractive. 
When at liberty in a room, and called by the name of “ Sylvia,” 
it immediately flew to and alighted on a finger held out for the 
purpose, and was so partial to this unnatural perch, as, like a 
hooded hawk upon the “ fist,” to remain stationary there when 
carried out of doors to feed upon the aphides infesting some 
monthly roses near the house. It did not attempt even to fly to 
the plants, but rested from choice upon the finger.* To the regret 
of its owners, this bird did not live long, in consequence, as was 
supposed, of excessive washing. 
I am indebted to Mr. Poole for the following remarks on the 
willow wren : — ■ 
“ A bird of this species which I had taken from its nest to 
examine, on being set at liberty, was quickly on its nest again, 
notwithstanding all the fright it had undergone. There can 
scarcely be a more beautiful sight to an ornithologist or general 
lover of nature than a family of willow wrens manoeuvring amongst 
the hedge-rows on a hot day, in the delightful month of July. 
Nothing can exceed the downy softness of the lower parts of the 
young willow wren, which, with its yellow mouth, velvet plumage, 
and timid yet confiding manner, is altogether as touching 
an emblem of absolute innocence as can be conceived. The 
mother with her ceaseless “twee, twee,” flies anxiously around 
you, uneasily endeavouring to instil into her beautiful charge her 
own distrust of your proximity. As soon as she has succeeded in 
* About Ryde, Isle of Wight, this species was common at the end of July and 
beginning of August, 1841, and from the windows of our house looked very beauti- 
ful, ascending the branches and twigs of rose-trees, on which it was most usefully 
employed, in clearing them of injurious insects. 
VOL. I. 
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