The Chaffinch. 257 
but more lightly and elegantly formed. Its nest, which 
is of the most beautiful and elaborate construction, is com- 
posed of mosses and lichens, interwoven and lined with 
wool, hair, and feathers. " Four or five eggs," says Mr, 
Waterton, " are the usual number which the Chaffinch's 
nest contains, and sometimes only three. The thorn, and 
most of the evergreen shrubs, the sprouts on the boles 
of forest trees, the woodbine, the whin, the wild rose, and 
occasionally the bramble, are this bird's favourite places 
for nidification. Like all its congeners, it never covers 
its eggs on retiring from the nest, for its young are 
hatched blind. There is something peculiarly pleasing 
to me in the song of this bird. Perhaps association of 
ideas may add a trifle to the value of its melody; for 
when I hear the first note of the Chaffinch, I know that 
winter is on the eve of its departure, and that sunshine 
and fine weather are not far off. The Chaffinch never 
sings when on the wing ; but it warbles incessantly on 
the trees, and on the hedgerows, from the early part of 
February to the second week in July ; and then (if the 
bird be in a state of freedom) its song entirely ceases." 
