146 The Goldcrest. 

in a pine plantation, and they were more easily dis-— 
tinguished when in action than in other ways, for the 
little yellowish-brown projection from the green moss 
of fir fibres made by the presence of this little wren, | 
cives only the appearance of a small fir-cone, and 
therefore a person’s attention would not be likely to 
rest upon it. The most sure way of finding the Gold- 
) 
crest, or “Golden-crested Wren” as it is called, is to 
listen for the note, similar to the chirp of a grasshopper, 
coming from trees around ; if we look in that direction, 
the eye is sure to catch some of its movements. These 
restless hunters prefer evergreens to other places. Their 
song resembles that of the common wren ; but it is not 
so loud, and is warbled in a higher tone. 
The song of the Goldcrest commences early in the 
spring, and it builds in the month of May—generally 
placing its nest under a branch of pine, fir, or yew, 
where it hangs, like a deep cup, to some of the small 
tendrils near the end. of a low bough. The nest is 
elegantly made, and composed of green moss and 
wool, lined thickly with feathers. The number of eggs 
varies from five to seven. The young do not show a 
