102 GARDEN WARBLER. 
in the gardens about Sunday’s Well, near Cork; and also has 
been observed at Ballibrado, in the county of Tinperary, more 
years than one, by Mr. Henry Fennell, of that place. 
This is a very favourite birc of mine, one that you always 
fancy to be uncommon, even while knowing that the contrary 
is the case. It is frequently overlooked, like others of divers 
races who are of a retiring nature, and more disposed to earn 
than to seek the reward of merit. 
For the most part it frequents gardens, as its name indi- 
cates, and also orchards and woods, even such as are more 
remote from human habitation, leaving the latter however in 
the autumn for the former. It often builds close to houses. 
It arrives in this country about the end of April or beginning 
of May, and departs again in September. 
In its habits it is unobtrusive, shy, and retiring, especially 
when engaged with its nest, and always interesting to watch. 
It is extremely active and agile, gliding quickly among the - 
boughs and branches of its shelter, and when on the ground 
advancing by a series of leaps. Its sweet song generally 
gives you notice of its vicinity, but if your neighbourhood 
is made known to it, the song ceases, and the bird drops 
silently into the nearest cover, and from thence retreats by 
hopping or flitting to some more secure distance. It is 
capable of being kept im confinement. 
Its manner of flight is short and rapid. 
Insects, caterpillars, worms, and fruits are its food, and 
with the latter the young are also at times fed; the former 
are sometimes captured on the wing, the bird darting upwards 
after them, and their unerring capture is indicated by an 
audible snap of the bill. Most fruits, both wild and cultivated, 
seem to suit its taste—the berries of the elder, the privet, 
the ivy, the barberry, the plum, the apple, the pear, cherries, 
strawberries, figs, and peas. 7 
ts note, which is heard up to August, is exquisitely sweet, 
rich, and flute-like. It is one of those species which, as the 
Psalmist says, ‘sing among the branches.’ Its voice is mostly 
uttered from the depth of some shady recess, but sometimes 
also from the top of a moderate-sized tree. Some of the notes 
are low and soft, others loud and clear, and the harmony 
of the whole falls with a most pleasing cadence on the ear 
of the listener. It is heard throughout the greater part of 
the day. 
The nest is made of goose-grass, and other grasses, straws, 
