300 CITIZEN BIRD 



They moved quietly over the rocks until they reached 

 a pepperidge tree, when the Doctor motioned them to 

 stop and pointed to one of its branches which stretched 

 over the rock. There was a flat nest with an evenly 

 rounded edge, all covered with lichen scales outside. 



'^ It is just like a Hummingbird's nest," whispered 

 Nat. 



'' Only flatter, more like a saucer than a cup," said 

 Rap. " Is it made of plant-down too ? " 



" No — of fine grasses, rootlets, and bits of bark," said 

 the Doctor ; " and in a few days it will hold three or 

 four creamy-white eggs, prettily wreathed around one 

 end with dark-brown spots." 



'' Pewee, pewee, pe-e-er ! " cried the nest owner very 

 sadly. 



" We are going home, so you needn't worry, dear," 

 said Dodo. "Good-night." 



