208 
FRIN GILLIDiE. 
two pairs built upon the farm-house. They also built in 
the deserted nests of magpies and crows, in which they 
formed domed nests, as does the Common Sparrow, when 
it builds among the branches of trees.” 
From the same source I copy information supplied by 
the late Mr. Hoy, who says that, on the Continent, where 
this species is rather numerous, they often build their 
nests in holes in the tiling of houses, and in stacks of 
wood-faggots. 
As I have mentioned above, the nest of the Tree 
Sparrow does not differ from that of the other species, 
being like it formed of dry grass abundantly lined with 
feathers. 
The eggs are four or five in number; are less than 
those of the House Sparrow, and are usually more oval 
in form, and wider in proportion to their length; they 
are commonly more closely mottled throughout with 
various shades of brown, and are subject to great variety 
of colouring. 
