232 FRIENDS WORTH KNOWING. 
and at the same time afford dryness and warmth to the in- 
terior. Both of these were secured in the thick branches 
of the primeval forest by the leaves overhead and around. 
It is hence found that in the same climate the more ex- 
posed a nest is the denser its composition, the deeper the 
pouch, and the smaller its mouth. Pennant and others of 
the earlier writers on American birds described the orioles’ 
nests as having only a hole near the top for entrance and 
exit, like those of some of the Sonth American species. 
Wilson, who was the first real critic of our ornithology, said 
this was certainly an error, adding, “I have never met with 
anything of the kind.” Both authors seem to have made too 
sweeping assertions, and, as usual, there is a golden mean of 
fact. Our hang-nest has enough discernment to select the 
safest and best site for a nest ever chosen by a tree-build- 
ing bird. He has sufficient discretion to inhabit trees where 
his young will be least exposed to birds of prey. He has 
sense and skill enough to build a warm or cool house to 
suit the climate—a deep and tight one where the sun shines 
brightly, and sharp eyes might see the orange coat of 
himself or his mate within, and a loose and (in labor) less 
expensive one where deep shadows hide it. Surely, then, 
this consummate workman has ingenuity enough to put a 
roof over his dwelling to shed the rain and the hawk’s 
