OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 373 



closely allied plant-species. The site selected is 

 usually one where the small spurs of the pear 

 and the apple, chiefly the former, with their crowns 

 of leaves can meet over the nest and thereby form 

 a roof which will protect the female and young 

 from inclement weather. 



Mating commences about the i5th of May, and 

 by the 2Oth of the month, the pair are ready to 

 commence the building of a nest which is the joint 

 labor of the two for about six days. Sometimes 

 this essential business, from some cause or other, 

 is deferred until about the middle of June, and 

 sometimes still later, as nests with tender fledg- 



o 



lings have been seen in the early part of August. 

 The nest being completed, on the following day 

 the female begins to deposit her eggs at the rate 

 of one a clay, which requires a period of three or 

 four days, according to the complement laid; the 

 ordinary number being four. Incubation then 

 ensues, sometimes ori the day of the final deposit, 

 but generally on the succeeding da)'. The period 

 of incubation ranges from 1-4 to 15 clays. This 

 labor is performed wholly by the female, the male- 

 bird standing cniard over the nest, or acting" as 



O O o 



purveyor of food. When the nest is assailed, both 

 birds make considerable ado, and by loud cries 

 and menacing gestures, seek to deter the intruder 

 from any contemplated design, even venturing- to 

 attack him with a boldness that deserves com- 

 mendation. 



Their love for their young is intense, and is 



