GOLD CRESTED WREN. 203 
The young- birds do not possess the crest and yellow feathers till 
autumn. 
The nest is not made with an opening on one side, as described by 
some, but is in form and elegance like that of the chaffinch, composed 
of green moss, interwoven with wool, and invariably lined with small 
feathers, with which it is so well bedded as to conceal the eggs. It is 
sometimes placed against the body of a tree covered with ivy, but most 
times underneath a thick branch of fir. 
* Albin, on the authority of Derham, and most of the common 
authors, describe this nest as having a side entrance. The truth seems 
to be that this bird, like many other species, appears to know how to 
accommodate its nest to the locality chosen. When it selects a spot 
where there is a natural canopy, it does not take the trouble to build 
one ; but when this is wanting, it forms as neat a dome, with a small 
side entrance, as any of the other British Wrens. It is the only native 
bird, I believe, which ever suspends its nest like so many of the 
tropical birds, for though it is said not unfrequently to build against 
the trunk of a tree covered with ivy, I have always found it hanging 
under the broad bough of a spruce fir, or cedar, or a yew-tree, the thick, 
flat disposition of the leaves forming a sort of umbrella over the 
opening. The materials of the nest are the same as those of the gold- 
finch and chaffinch, namely, green moss, Qiypnum tenellum, &c.,) or 
lichens, felted together very neatly with wool, and lined with the 
down of willows and other plants, or very soft feathers.* ^ The eggs 
are from seven to ten in number, of a brownish white ; rather darker 
at the larger end; their weight nine or ten grains. 
A pair of these birds, who took possession of a fir-tree in my gar- 
den, ceased their notes as soon as the young were hatched ; and as this 
beautiful little family caused me much delight and amusement, some 
observations thereon may not be unacceptable to the curious reader. 
When first I discovered the nest, I thought it a favourable opportunity 
to become acquainted with some of the manners of this minute species, 
and to endeavour to discover whether the male ever sung, by way of 
instructing the young ones. Accordingly, I took the nest when the 
young were about six days old, placed it in a small basket, and by 
degrees enticed the old ones to my study window ; and after they be- 
came familiar with that situation, the basket was placed within the 
window ; then at the opposite side of the room. It is remarkable, that 
although the female seemed regardless of danger, from her affection 
to her young, the male never once ventured within the room ; and 
^ Architecture of Birds, p. 318 
