THE ROBIN. 5 



The robin's nest, when finished, is about 4 inches in internal 

 diameter and 2 inches deep, very rough and bulky externally. 

 Its construction usually occupies the birds during four or 

 five busy days, after which, if the necessities of nature be not 

 too urgent, and especially if the weather be damp, sufficient 

 time is given for the mud to dry; while, on the contrary, it 

 sometimes happens that the first eggs must be laid before the 

 walls are fully done, and the finishing touches be put on after- 

 wards. My own impression has always been that both birds 

 work at it together, but the weight of evidence seems to be 

 that the female is the real architect. " She probably considers 

 him incapable of so great an undertaking," says Mrs. Treat, 

 "as to assist in the construction of even a mud cabin. Never- 

 theless, he is very watchful and solicitous while she is at work, 

 and during incubation ; and when the young are hatched, he 

 does as much for their support, while in the nest, as the female, 

 and as soon as they leave the nest she shirks all the responsi- 

 bility of protecting and providing for them." 



The eggs are four or five in number, of a beautiful bluish- 

 green, or sea-green color, and are the largest of all the true 

 thrushes' eggs. They will average i.io by .80 of an inch in 

 dimensions. The wood thrush's eggs resemble them most 

 closely, but are slightly smaller and more slender. The eggs 

 are dropped daily until the nest-complement is provided. Rare 

 abnormal specimens have been found, which were pui'e white, 

 and others that were darkly spotted. 



The female, often relieved by her mate, sits twelve or 

 fourteen days, by which time the young have all come out ; 

 on the following day their eyes are open, but they remain in 

 the nest from ten to fifteen days longer. For a long time they 

 do not recognize their parents, opening their mouths as widely 

 and crying as eagerly if a cat approach as when they hear 

 the fluttering wings that are really bearing food to them. Both 

 parents are extremel}' solicitous for the safety of the nest, and 

 jealous of intrusion, rousing the whole neighborhood with 

 their fuss and clamor when disturbed ; but by keeping quiet 

 and at a formal distance, making slow advances, you can easily 

 win their confidence. Both are also very attentive to their 



