BIRDS. 193 
the nest of the Wren. The eggs are dusky white, marked 
with reddish spots ; and are five in number. A Willow 
Wren had built in a bank of one of the fields of Mr. White, 
near Selborne. This bird, a friend and himself observed 
as she sat in her nest ; but they were particularly careful 
not to disturb her, though she eyed them with some de- 
gree of jealousy. Some days afterwards, as they passed 
the same way, they were desirous of remarking how the 
brood went on ; but no nest could be found, till Mr. 
White happened to take up a large bundle of long green 
moss, which had been thrown, as it were, carelessly over 
the nest, in order to mislead the eye of any impertinent 
intruder. 
The Willow Wren may justly be termed the nightingale 
of the northern snowy countries of Europe. It settles on 
the most lofty branches of the birch- trees, and makes the 
air resound with its bold and melodious song:. 
THE WATER WAGTAIL. (Motacilla alba.) 
THERE is not a brook purling along two flowery banks, 
not a rivulet winding through the green meadow, which 
is not frequented by this handsomely coloured and ele- 
gantly shaped little creature. We even see them often in 
the streets of country towns, following with a quick pace, 
