OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 267 



zontal limb which is nearly three-fourths of an inch 

 in thickness, with three inclined twigs situated 

 anteriorly, to which the nest is fastened by cotton 

 string and the ravellings of variously colored cotton 

 fabrics. The outside is composed mostly of raw 

 cotton, animal wool, hempen and cotton strings, 

 ravellines of cotton fabrics, vegetable fibres, root- 



o o 



lets of grasses, finely and ingeniously interwoven. 

 Interiorly, there is a commingling of vegetable 

 wool and horse-hairs. The bottom of the cavity 

 is hardly covered, the twigs which form the basis 

 of the nest being clearly discernible. This struc- 

 ture is two and a half inches in diameter and two 

 in depth. The cavity is one and three-fourth 

 inches in width at the rim and the same in depth. 



After the completion of the nest which ordinarily 

 requires a period of six days, oviposition com- 

 mences on the ensuing clay. The eggs usually 

 five in number are deposited at the rate of one 

 egg per diem. Incubation commences the da> 

 subsequent to the last deposit, and la^ts for iu 

 days; the chief part of its labor devolving upon 

 the female-bird; the male meanwhile furnishing 

 his companion with, suitable diet. When not thus 

 employed, he occasionally cheers the tedium of her 

 task with an agreeable ditty. 11 is affection for his 

 mate and young is unsurpassed. When the nest is 

 assaulted by enemies, both parents become ex- 

 ceedingly clamorous, and with fiery eyes and open 

 jaws unite to expel the common intruder 



The young are from 1 1 to 12 days old \vhen 



