THE WOOD THRUSH. 213 
The typical situation for a nest 
is upon an overarching sapling, as 
shown in the nearest illustration. 
To secure a romantic site stability 
is sometimes sacrificed, and the nest, 
loosely saddled upon a narrow 
branch, may be toppled over by the 
wind or by a careless hand. At other 
times the nest is securely lodged 
upon the forks of a horizontal limb 
or upright sapling, and may prove 
very durable. 
Upon a foundation of dry 
leaves are laid grass, fibres, and 
weed-stems ; these are held in place 
by a matrix of mud or rotton wood, 
and the nest lined with rootlets or 
dead leaves. The mud-working 
must be disagreeable business for 
such dainty birds. I once came 
upon a mother mason at her task. 
Her bill and breast were all be- 
daubed with mud, and she cut such 
a sorry figure that she fled precipi- 
tately upon my approach and would 
not come back again. 
Taken near Circleville. Photo by the Author. 
A TYPICAL NESTING SITE. 
According to Dr. Jones the same nest is occupied during successive sea- 
sons, especially if securely placed. 
Repairs are made each year, and consist 
either of a new matrix and lining or of the latter alone. He has one in his 
collection which shows four distinct yearly additions. 
The brooding female is unusually devoted to her eggs, and altho in mani- 
fest terror of the “infernal machine” thrust up close to her nest, bravely returns 
to her charge again and again. 
