78 
PICTURES OF BIRD LIFE. 
old bird, but acknowledged that they had frequently looked at it. On examining 
the nest more attentively, it was found that the original hole of entrance to it 
had been stopped up, and that another had been made at the back. It was 
evident that the bird, disliking to be looked at, and feeling unwilling to forsake her 
eggs, had taken this method of obviating the inconvenience to which she was 
subjected.” Mr. Morris gives instances of uncommon situations for the nest; one 
adapted from that of a swallow; another constructed in a bunch of herbs hung 
up to a beam against the top of an outhouse, almost the entire nest being formed 
of the herbs. The tops of honeysuckle and raspberry bushes are also favourite 
localities for a Wren’s nest. The roof of a hovel is another place where we 
have frequently found it. Waterton calls attention to the fact that when most 
insect-eating birds leave us in winter, the robin, the Wren, and the hedge-sparrow 
invariably remain, manage in spite of cold weather to find food, and on the return 
of spring are not found to have suffered more than others which are apparently 
better suited to brave the rigour of the English climate. Mr. Cordeaux, who has 
paid great attention to migration, believes that every autumn our native birds are 
largely increased by arrivals from the Continent. This is certainly the case with 
the Golden-crested Wren (.Regulus cristatus), and seemingly with others of our 
common birds, such as the blackbird and magpie. 
Among his other birds which rejoice on May Day Chaucer does not forget 
to make the Wren “ scippin and daunce.” Shakespeare shows that his wonted 
love for the country had led him to notice this bird, though he is rather hard 
on the “chirping of the Wren” in the “Merchant of Venice” (v. i)— 
“ No better a musician than the Wren.” 
Perhaps he meant the Wren, however, in Henry IV.’s words— 
“ Thou art a summer bird 
Which ever in the haunch of winter sings 
The lifting up of day.” 
At all events, the description answers exactly to what all country dwellers must 
have remarked. Again he notes (“ Macbeth,” iv. 2)— 
“ The poor Wren, 
The most diminutive of birds, will fight, 
Her young ones in her nest, against the owl.” 
Mr. Harting questions this last statement as an ornithological fact; but it is not 
improbable, looking to the Wren’s character. He also corrects Shakespeare with 
