536 NESTS OF BAYA AND TAILOR-BIRD. 
trees. The greater number of them have a somewhat hemi¬ 
spherical form, resembling a little round basket; and their 
interior is lined with moss and down (fig. 277). 
705. But sometimes the arrangement is much more com¬ 
plicated, so as to avert some particular danger, or to answer 
some special purpose. Thus the nest of the Baya , a little 
Indian bird allied to our Bulfinch, has the form of a bottle ; 
and it is suspended from a twig of such slenderness and flexi¬ 
bility, that neither monkeys, serpents, nor squirrels can reach 
it (fig. 278). It is rendered still more secure against the 
attacks of its numerous enemies, by the formation of the 
entrance of the nest on its under side, so as to be only reached 
by even the bird itself with the aid of its wings. This curious 
habitation is constructed of long grass ; and several chambers 
are found in its interior, of which one serves for the female 
Fig. 2/8. —Nest of the Baya. Fig. 279.— Nest of the Tailor-Bird. 
to sit on her eggs, whilst another is occupied by the male, 
who solaces his companion with his song, whilst she is occu¬ 
pied in maternal cares. Another curious nest is that of the 
