Birds’ Nests 
above the ground, and show conspicuous skill 
and ingenuity. This broad distinction between 
the nests of the two groups is commonly, and, 
as I imagine, erroneously, accepted as significant 
of their relative intelligence. 
The numerous dangers to which land birds 
are exposed make successful nidification a rath- 
er difficult art. And perhaps nowhere else in 
nature shall we find a better illustration of the 
trite proverb that necessity is the mother of in- 
vention. Some of these dangers are obviously 
avoided by building above the ground, and in 
the seclusion of foliage. But, at best, the fork- 
ing branches of a bush or tree are a rather 
perilous support for such frail tenements ; and, 
exposed besides to wind and rain, such a loca- 
tion is doubly treacherous. The nest must 
therefore be both firmly knit together, and 
bound sufficiently strongly to its foundation. 
But, although these precautions afford ample 
security against the elements, they are no safe- 
guard against the watchful eyes of numerous 
foes that would find a delectable morsel in the 
eggs or the young. This danger prompts the 
selection, not only of neutral colors throughout, 
but also, sometimes, of such delicate material 
as moss and lichens for the exterior, to make it 
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