CHAPTER XVI. 
THE COMMON WREN. 
(Troglodytes domesticus). 
“ The little woodland dwarf, the tiny wren, 
That from the root-sprigs trills her ditty clear; 
Of stature most diminutive herself, 
Not so her wondrous house; for strange to tell, 
Hers is the largest structure that is formed 
By tuneful hill and breast.” 
Grahame. 
Of all our feathered songsters there is scarcely any 
other that is so faithful a companion to us in winter 
and summer, in frost or sunshine, as our tiny russet 
friend the Wren; scarcely any other which accompanies 
man so far north or south, or is so typical of cheerfulness 
and never-failing good humour as this friend of our 
childhood, youth and old age. He sings and flits joyously 
round the human abode alike in Russia and in Spain, in 
Greece or in Iceland; he is found all over Europe, and is 
universally the friendly companion of man. More con¬ 
stant than the Swallow, he does not pay us merely a 
passing visit, but is ever with us, long after the former 
has deserted us and is sunning herself in southern climes. 
The pet of every nation to whom he is familiar, the Wren 
is treasured, or at all events tolerated, everywhere, for he 
understands the road to our hearts and how to win our 
warmest affection. 
