BRIGHT FEATHERS. 
On 
i) 
to retain his hold upon her affections, for she is likely to waver in the 
interval of time which elapses before nidification is begun. This duty 
so completely engrosses her time and attention that the tendency to 
flirtation, so to speak, has not time to manifest itself, and is soon 
abandoned.’ 
‘Subsequent to mating, and just before nidification, the successful 
mate and his partner ramble together in quest of food. When weary 
of this business they may be seen perched upon a common twig, when 
the former with his sole energy pours out his passion in the most charm- 
ing language, ever and anon turning toward the object of his love as_ if 
to ascertain whether it meets her approval or not. A soft, low note, 
which may be expressed by /we-vah, is her sign of recognition.’ ” 
+ * * %* * * * %* * 
Mr. Ingersoll continues : ‘‘ The site selected for the nest is a tree or 
stout bush, in an upright crotch of which, or among supporting twigs 
that sprout from a horizontal branch, perhaps far from the trunk, the 
nest may be securely fastened. Apple, pear, maple and birch trees, 
willow, and other thornless shrubs, are the most common choice. Mr. 
Gentry asserts that in his region it requires six days to complete the 
structure, and that ‘oviposition commences on the ensuing day.’ Dr, 
Brewer saw a nest built and one egg laid in half that time in Boston, 
while a Michigan correspondent alleges two weeks as necessary there. 
Probably circumstances alter cases. The female appears to be the sole 
artificer. Sometimes dire destruction, in the shape of a gale of wind, 
or otherwise, overtakes the half finished homes of these birds and 
wrecks all their labor; but they will courageously rebuild, as witnessed 
by Mr. J. P. Hutchins in Central New York ; and Gentry tells of a pair 
renewing the attempt to erect their nest in the same place after being 
a 
