Nest-hoxes and Nests. Ill 



that of these superior artists, may we say with Hurdis, 

 in that beautiful poem entitled " The Village Curate," 



** But most of all, it wins my admiration. 

 To view the structure of this little work, 

 A bird's nest. Mark it well ! — within, without; 

 No tool had he that wrought — no knife to cut, 

 No nail to fix — no bodkin to insert — 

 No glue to join; his little beak was all. 

 And yet how neatly finished ! What nice hand, 

 With every implement and means of art. 

 And twenty years' apprenticeship to boot. 

 Could make me such another ? Fondly, then, 

 We boast of excellence, whose noblest skill 

 Instinctive genius foils." 



