Birds' Nests 



The skylark's nest anjong the grass 

 And waving corn is found; 



The robin's on a shady bank, 



With oak leaves strewed around. 



The wren builds in an ivied thorn 

 Or old and ruined wall, 



The mossy nest so covered in 

 You scarce can see at all. 



The martins build their nests of clay 

 In rows beneath the eaves ; 



The silvery lichens, moss and hair. 

 The chaffinch interweaves. 



The cuckoo makes no nest at all. 



But through the wood she strays 



Until she finds one snug and warm. 

 And there her eggs she lavs. 



'&!=)- 



The sparrow has a nest of hay 

 With feathers w^armly lined ; 



The ring-dove's careless nest of sticks 

 On lofty trees we find. 



Rooks build together in a wood. 



And often disagree ; 

 The owl will build inside a bc.rn 



Or in a hollow tree. 



The blackbird's nest of grass and mud 

 In bush and bank is found ; 



The lapwing's darkly spotted eggs 

 Are laid upon the ground. 



The magpie's nest is made wnth thorns 



In leafless tree or hedge; 

 The wild-duck and the water-hen 



Build by the water's edge. 



Birds build tb.eir nests from year to year 



According to their kind ; 

 Some very neat and beautiful. 



Some simpler ones we find. 



The habits of each little bird 



And all its patient skill 

 Are surely taught by God himself 



And ordered by his will. 



128 



