Out Native Song Birds. 
131 
the very prettiest of all the little nests is that of 
the Hedge-sparrow, which you often find in a 
Box-tree, or even in a hedge. The little pale 
blue eggs are very pretty. 
Then there is the Robin’s nest in some remark- 
able hole, or perhaps in an ivy-wall, like that 
wherein Flapsy lived. The eggs here are pinkish ; 
and so sure as you peep in, so sure a brown bird 
hops up to a tree next door — frequently an Elder- 
tree — and sits there surveying you, her tail being 
much cocked up, and her eyes looking big and 
sharp. As you move off, if friendly, you see 
Mrs. Rob hop home, when she pokes her eggs all 
about, and seems to be ascertaining that you have 
done no mischief. 
The Thrushes and the Blackbirds as well as the 
green Linnets are generally disposed to build in 
large-leaved trees, like Laurels, or else in thick, 
bushy shrubs. These birds build very early, at 
least in places where Laurels abound much, and 
for this reason perhaps they choose them, as the 
other trees are not yet in leaf. The Blackbird’s 
nest is a large rough sort of business though lined 
pretty well with hair. The Thrush’s is most 
shapely for people or birds who like mud. Then 
there is Tomtit. He is not much of a singer, 
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