204 
Supplement  to 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
March  10,  1904. 
insectivorous,  as  also  is  that  of  the  fire-crested  wren  (R.  igni- 
capillus). 
The  Common  Creepee  (Certhia  familaris)  may  often  be  seen 
running  spirally  up  the  ti'unks  of  trees  and  probing  the  bark 
with  its  bill,  its  food  wholly  consisting  of  insects.  Its  nest  is 
made  in  a  decayed  tree,  and  the  eggs,  from  seven  to  nine  in 
number,  are  grey,  with  dusky  spots.  It  is  very  valuable  on 
account  of  destroying  insects  on  the  large  branches  and  boles 
of  trees  in  woods,  hedgerows,  and  pleasure  grounds. 
The  Green  AVoodpecker  (Gecinus  or  Ficus  viridis)  may  often 
be  seen  in  woods  and  pleasure  grounds,  tapping  the  trees  witli 
wonderful  rapidity,  usually  running  up  the  trunk  in  a  spiral 
direction,  and  in  descending  keeps  its  head  uppermost.  It 
occasionally  devours  ants  and  their  “eggs”  and  other  gioiind 
pests,  but  mostly  confines  its  attention  to  trees,  and  is  invalu¬ 
able  foi-  destroying  the  larva?  of  the  bark  beetles,  especially  that 
of  the  Elm-bark  beetle  (Scolytus  destructor). 
The  Great  Spotted  AA^oodpecke];  (Ficus  major'),  and  the 
Lesser  Spotted  AVoodpecker  (Ficus  minor)  are  far  less  common 
than  the  green  woodpecker,  and  seldom  seen,  though  inhabiting 
large  woods.  They  feed  on  insects  or  larvae,  procured  from  decayed 
trees,  and  also  on  berries  and  fruits  that  grow  wild.  The  eggs 
are  laid  in  a  deep  hole  excavated  in  a  tree  where  the  wood  has 
decayed,  such  as  broken-off  branch-place,  or  where  a  large . 
fungus  has  been  on  an  apparently  healthy  tree. 
The  Goldfinch  (Carduelis  elegans,  or  Fringilla  carduelis)  is  a 
very  beaut ifid  creature,  and  its  nest  is  charming,  usuall.y  made 
of  wool  and  down  from  various  plants,  and  often  placed  at  the 
pxtremit.y  of  a  spray.  The  eggs  are  small,  of  a  whitish  tint, 
spotted  with  orange  brown.  Its  young  are  chiefly  fed  upon 
caterpillars,  particularly  those  that  exist  on  Crab  or  Apple  trees, 
not  infrequently  breeding  in  orchards.  It  is  extremely  useful 
where,  thistles  abound,  as  they  do  too  commonly,  not  only  on 
rvaysides,  but  in  fields  and  woodlands,  even  neglected  gardens, 
as  it  feeds  on  the  seeds,  hence  the  name  of  thistlefinch  ;  also  on 
the  tufted  seed  of  the  dandelion,  groundsel,  knapweed,  ragwort, 
and  burdock,  even  on  plantain  and  grasses,  hence  fpiite  harm¬ 
less  and  useful  beyond  compare.  Remember,  not  in  cages. 
The  Kestrel  or  AV^indhover  (Falco  tinnunculus  or  Tinnun- 
culus  aludarius)  is  not  uncommon,  thanks  to  keepers  not  over¬ 
come  by  mistaken  zeal  for  game  preservation,  and  others  who 
confound  this  extremely  beneficent  creature  with  the  sparrow- 
hawk.  The  nest  is  usually  built  in  the  deserted  mansion  of  a 
crow  or  magpie,  and  the  eggs,  four  in  number,  are  of  a  dark 
reddish  blown.  It  feeds  mainly  upon  field  mice  or  voles,  prefer¬ 
ring  this  food  to  all  other,  though  not  averse  upon  a  pinch  to 
frogs,  lizards,  slow-worms,  beetles,  and  perchance  a  sinall  bird. 
Unquestionably,  the  kestrel  is  of  incalculable  service  to  the 
farmer  and  forester,  yea,  and  gardener,  for  from  the  gra.ssy 
woodland  glades  and  meadows  the  field  mice  or  voles  pass  to 
gardens  and  work  no  end  of  mischief. 
The  Lapwing  or  Feeavit  (Vanellus  vulgaris  or  cristatus)  is 
very  common,  or  rather  Avas,  for  it  has  been  seriousl.y  decimated 
b.y  the  collecting  of  its  eggs  for  table  use  in  some  parts  of 
England,  and  mostl,v  affects  loAv-l,ving  land,  though  not  un¬ 
common  in  moorland  districts.  It  chiefl,y  .subsists  upon  slugs  and 
snails,  wiroworms,  beetles,  aphides,  the  larva?  of  various  insects 
that  infest  grass.  Turnips,  AA^heat,  and  other  crops,  and  other 
pests,  feeding  chiefly  in  the  evening  Avhen  the  depredators  of 
useful  crops  are  mostly  on  the  proAvl.  It  breeds  on  marshes, 
moors,  mcadoAvs,  and  fallows.  The  olive-coloured  eggs,  with 
black  spots,  are  usually  four  in  number,  deposited  in  a  mere  hole 
in  the  ground,  with  a  few  bits  of  dried  gra.ss,  bent^,  or  rushes  at 
the  bottom.  On  account  of  the  insectivorous  habits  of  Feewits 
thew  are  sometimes  kept  in  gardens  where  their  services  are 
highly  appreciated. 
■  The  Barn  Owl  (Strix  aluco  or  flammea)  is  found  in  all  parts 
of  the  British  Isles  much  too  infrefiuently,  as  it  feeds  almost  ex- 
clusiA'ely  on  field  mice  or  voles,  mice  that  infest  the  farmstead, 
rats,  largei'  beetles,  and  cockchafeis,  moths,  and  other  injurious 
insects.  .  In  the  case  of  feeding  its  young,  as  many  as  forty  mice 
have  been  brought  to  the  nest  in  one  hour.  Indeed,  as  a  vole 
killer  it  holds  first  rank,  and  everyway  is  of  great  utility  to 
foresters,  farmers,  and  gardeners.  It  lays  its  lily-white  eggs, 
thn'c  to  six,  in  church  towers,  barns,  ruins,  or  old  buildings, 
holes  in  rocks,  or  in  holloAv  trees.  'I’lie  gamekeeper  is  it,s  greatest 
enemy  under  the  supposition  that  it  kills  young  game,  and  the 
farm :r  is  ecuudly  at  fault  in  supposing  that  it  is  a  depredator  in 
pigeon  cots. 
The  Tavite  ok  Linnet  (l>iuo!a  flaverost  ris)  frequents  commons, 
neglected  pastures,  and  feeds  chiefly  upon  Aveed  seeds,  and  is 
A'pry  partial  to  Avild  sorrel. 
The  Bedpoli,  (Linola  rutesceus)  frequents  similar  places  to 
the  linnet,  and  like  it  lives  upon  aachhI  seeds,  and  is  more  partial 
to  Avild  sorrel  than  any  other  British  bird. 
The  Fied  AA^agtail  (IMotacilla  lugubris)  ma.y  be  seen  in 
nieadoAAs,  pastures,  and  fields.  Avhere  cattle  and  sheep  are  grazing 
in  order  to  get  the  insects  attracted  by  these  animals;  indeed, 
this  bird  is  continually  hunting  for  beetles,  flies,  moths,  and 
aphides,  also  millipedes,  snails,  and  slugs.  Though  the  pied  Avag- 
tails  migrate  from  northern  to  southern  parts  of  the  kingdom 
in  the  autumn,  and  some  leave  this  country  for  the  winter,  there 
are  ahvays  pied  Avagtails  to  be  seen  during  the  winter  months, 
especially  in  farmyarcks,  except  in  the  more  northern  regions. 
Breeding  begins  in  the  spring,  and  there  are  often  tevo  broods  in 
the  season.  From  six  to  eight  eggs  are  laid,  bluish  Avhite,  Avith 
broAvnish  or  purple-broAA  n  specks,  in  a  nest  constructed  of  mos.s, 
dried  grass,  bent  and  fine  roots,  and  lined  Avith  avooI,  feathers, 
and  other  soft  materials. 
The  Grey  AA'agtail  (IMotacilla  nielanope)  is  chiefly  found  in 
the  hilly  and  grazing  districts  Avhere  there  are  streams  and  plenty 
of  Avater.  It  subsists  upon  insects,  and  is  very  fond  of  fresh 
Avater  molluscs,  thus  destro,ys  quantities  of  the  snail  knoAvn  as 
Limna'a  tnincutula,  also  L.  pereger,  and  hosts  of  the  scourge  of 
sheep  flocks  the  liver-fluke  (Distoma  hepaticum).  All  the  Avag¬ 
tails  devour  the  snails  named,  Avhich  they  search  for  by  brooks 
and  ponds.  It  takes  to  southern  parts  of  the  country  in  the 
autumn. 
The  Yelloav  AATagtail  (Motacilla  Raii)  is  not  a  Avinter  resident, 
but  appears  in  March  on  marshes  and  grassland  through  England 
generally,  hut  soon  goes  to  cultivated  fields  and  devours  milli¬ 
pedes,  AA  ireAvorms,  and  other  insects  as  turned  by  cultural  opera¬ 
tions.  After  breeding,  the  birds,  .young  and  adults,  move  to 
meadoAvs,  pastures,  and  mai'she.s  hunting  for  insects.  In 
Septembm-  or  October  the  yelloAv  Avagtail  leaves  England  for 
the  Avinter,  hence  is  a  migrant,  but  included  here  for  conveni¬ 
ence  and  as  a  prelude  to  the — 
Migratory. 
Insectivorous  or  Harmless. 
The  AA'illoav  AA’ren  (Fhylloscopus  or  Sylvia  trochilus)  is  the 
first  to  arrive  and  last  to  depart,  and  foremost  in  destroying 
prsis.  It  is  common  in  everv  garden,  bus.y  from  morn  to  eve, 
sin.ging  and  anon  devouring  countless  caterpillars,  aphides,  &c. 
Its  nest  is  oauiI  or  roundish  and  entered  by  a  hole  in  the  side. 
The  Chife’chaff  (Fhylloscopus  calybita  or  Syh'ia  riifa)  closely 
folloAAs  the  AA’illoAv  Avren  or  Avarbler  in  arriA’al,  and  remains  Avith 
us  until  about  the  middle  of  October.  It  i,s  found  in  most  of 
the  southern  counties  of  England  and  in  AA’ales,  but  has  not  been 
noticed  north  of  Northumberland.  On  its  arrival  it  feeds  on  the 
leaf-rolling  caterpillars  that  infest  the  leaA’os  and  opening  buds 
of  trees,  and  all  summer  long  devours  insects  or  their  larva?. 
The  Host  is  oval  or  rounded,  and  entered  b.A"  a  hole  in  the  side, 
and  usuall.v  placed  near  the  ground  in  a  bush,  or  sometimes  on 
the  hedgebank. 
The  AVhite  Throat  (S.ylvia  curruca  or  cinerea)  arrives  in  this 
countr.v  in  the  spring,  and  abides  during  the  summer,  feAv 
gardens,  pleasure  grounds,  and  copses  failing  to  be  enlivened 
b.y  its  singular  and  pleasing  song.  It  is  entirely  insectivorous, 
feeding  its  young  on  small  caterpillars.  The  small  nest,  mostly 
among  Brambles  or  on  a  stump  covered  Avith  overgroAvths,  con¬ 
tains  five  eggs,  greyish  Avhite,  thickly  spotted  Avith  broAvn. 
The  Nightingale  (Daiilias  luscinia  or  Luscinia  philomela) 
visits  the  groves  of  the  south  of  England,  and  may  be  found,  or 
rather  heard,  as  far  north  as  York  during  the  summer  months, 
and  is  entirel.y  insectiA'orous  or  harmless.  The  male  only  sings, 
hence  “  .sAveet  songstress”  is  not  quite  correct. 
The  Redstart  (Ruticilla  phcenicura)  comes  in  the  earl.y 
summer,  and  inhabits  the  skirts  of  Avoods,  copses,  and  pleasure 
grounds.  It  feeds  entirel.v  upon  insects,,  and  the  young  are 
chiefly  reared  on  small  caterpillar.'.  The  nest  i.s  usually  placed 
in  a  hole  in  a  A\all  or  in  a  hollow  tree.  Eggs  five,  greenish  blue. 
The  Tree  Fip}t  (Anthus  trivialis)  visits  coprlcs,  and  is  a  ground 
insect  feeder,  but  feeds  its  .A'oung  on-  caterpillars,  hence  is  some¬ 
times  selected  b.y  the  cuckoo  for  laying  an  egg  in  the  nest,  Avhich 
speaks  more  than  a  volume  for  its  insectivorous  habits. 
The  Spotted  Flyi'Atcher  (Muscicana  grisola)  ma.y  commonl.y 
be  seen  in  England  and  .some  parts  of  Ireland,  but  not  frequently 
in  Scotland,  from  May  to  Septendicr  inclusive.  It  frequents 
orchards,  gardens,  plantations,  and  Avoods,  and  the  banks  of 
streams,  Avhere  it  feeds  exclusivel.V  upon  insects,  though  accused 
erroneously  of  eating  fruit.  The  insects  are  taken  on  the  Aving, 
similar  to  .sAvalloAAs,  .‘-aAvflies  being  a  favouiite  food.  It  takes 
all  kinds  of  flight  insects:  moths,  flies,  beetles,  and  aphides.  Tho 
parent  birds  have  been  knoAvn  to  bring  food  to  the  nestlings  037 
times  during  the  course  of  the  day.  The  nest  is  placed  in  a 
hole  in  a  Avail  or  tree,  or  in  the  fork  of  a  tree,  on  beams  in  out¬ 
buildings.  ledges  of  rocks,  in  fruit  trees  nailed  to  Avails,  and  on 
the  stump  of  trees.  Eggs  live,  pale  green  to  bluish  Avhite, 
mottled  Avith  ru.sty  streak'. 
The  Wrvnei'e:  (Yunx  toKpiilla)  visits  the  .southern  counties  of 
England,  and  is  seldom  seen  in  the  Avest  and  north.  It  is  very 
fond  of  ants,  especially  of  the  “eggs.”  and  also  frees  boles  and 
branches  of  trees  of  various  insects,  similar  to  the  creepers  and 
Avoodpeckers.  The  eggs,  laid  in  holes  of  trees,  are  pure  white. 
(To  be  continued  ) 
