under the shade of hillocks. The nest, is only found by accident; we only found a few, although the bird
is so numerous. The nest is domed and has an opening in the side. I t is constructed of dried marsh-
grass, and lined with fine bents. Although artistically built, the structure is weak, and it is difficult to take
it away without destroying its original shape. Late in June the female deposits five oval-shaped eggs ;
some, however, are rather elongated, others shorter and stouter ; and they have a slight gloss. The female
sits very close, and may be taken on her eggs. When frightened off, she escapes through th é dense thicket,
and will not soon return to the nest. Whilst the female is sitting, the male sings all night through in the
vicinity of the nest.”
The Plate represents two males and a female, of the natural size (one of the former having the red throat
very pale), copied from a specimen in my own collection.