18 BRIGHT FEATHERS. 
mensions as 0.80 inches by 0.60; but says, however, that he has seen 
specimens, from 0.85 by 0.67, (abnormally elongate) to 0.75 by 0.56. 
The color of the eggs isa clear greenish and light blue, irregularly dotted, 
chiefly at the largest end, with a very dark (almost black,) brown. The 
whole egg is in some instances, also very finely sprinkled with irregular 
markings of a washy purple. Occasionally the cow-bird leaves to the 
fostering care of the legitimists an offering of her own, and my brother 
has in his collection a set of six eggs, one of which is of this intrusive 
character. 
Frequently the nest of the Purple Finch is built in an apple, maple 
or other tree. I have noted it in the maple, and the nest containing the 
set of six already mentioned, was taken from an apple tree, but a short 
distance from the ground. Usually, however, and with seeming prefer- 
ence, the nest of this bird is built some forty feet from the earth in some 
coniferous tree, generally the spruce ; where, lulled and soothed by the 
soughing breeze as it plays at hide and seek about her swaying dwelling, 
with the crimson banner of her loyal knight flaunting in and out amid 
the sombre green, and his musical tongue cheering her tedium, our lady 
fair broods from twelve to fourteen days ere she awakens to the full 
cares and joys of motherhood. During this period, our patient fair one 
in her frowsy state, is the recipient of the unremitting and watchful care 
of her mate, who yields to her his mellowest notes and plumpest cap- 
tures, who gladdens her heart by his cheery disposition, and who dazes 
her little eyes with his brilliant plumes. Full of love, and full of anx- 
ious care she waits for Nature’s pulses to perfect the little caskets com- 
mitted to her charge ; which, being accomplished, she joins issue with 
her lord in search for tender food and in sentry duties about their joint 
and cozy cradle. 
PN irae 
