698 
BIRD-LIFE. 
did not even take the trouble to build a nest for himself, 
but took possession of a forsaken Swallow’s nest, enlarging 
it with bay and straw instead of moss. He was six weeks 
engaged on this work of art! . . 
In April and July the female lays from six to eleven 
eggs in her warm nest; these are white, sparsely and 
finely speckled with red, and are hatched in from twelve 
to thirteen days, the female alone performing the duties 
of incubation, during which time, however, she is fed by 
the male, who also faithfully assists her in rearing the 
young ones. When the nestlings are fledged the family 
remains for some time in company, after which the old 
birds either prepare for a second brood or leave the 
youngsters to shift for themselves. 
The Wren is easily caught, but is difficult to keep in 
confinement and accustom to artificial food. If, however, 
one is fortunate enough to succeed, a tenant is secured 
for the aviary, which delights the eye by its pretty ways, 
as well as the ear by its song. The latter sounds at a 
distance like that of a soft-singing Canary, and has in 
the middle of the strophe and at its end, a fine flute-like 
trill. Unfortunately, in captivity, the Wren does not 
sing so persistently as in a wild state, and on this account, 
though much may be said in favour of keeping this 
little fellow in a cage, and having him always by one, it 
is far more agreeable to watch him flying around the 
house, especially in the winter; for the “King in the 
Snow” only shows himself in the full perfection of his 
grace and joyousness, when out of doors ! 
