PHASES OF BIRD LIFE. 195 
little artists constructing their nests? They first lay 
the foundation, which is usually made of rather 
coarse material, and is more or less loosely woven ; 
and then they proceed to build the superstructure. 
Some birds, like the robin and the bluebird, will have 
their mouths full of material every time they come 
to the nest ; while others, such as the dainty warblers, 
will return with a single fibre. Usually the bird 
leaps into the cup of the nest, and deftly weaves in 
the new material with its bill; and then shifts around 
with a quivering motion of body and wings, to give 
the structure proper shape and size. ‘The nest must 
be made to fit the body of the bird like a glove, so 
that she may rest easily in it during the long period 
of incubation. The robin and the wood-thrush bring 
mud and clay; this they mix, no doubt, with their 
own saliva, which gives it its viscid character. ‘The 
dainty, blue-gray gnat-catcher collects lichens of 
various kinds, with which she decorates the high 
walls of her compact little cottage. Does this tiny 
artist sometimes build nests just for fun or esthetic 
effect? I watched the building of two nests one spring 
that were never used. With what a graceful touch 
the feathered dots laid the lichen bricks in the walls ! 
The hatching of the eggs must be a severe tax on 
the patience of the mother bird, for the principal 
part of this work devolves upon her. Sitting hour 
by hour upon the nest, looking out upon the wide 
spaces of air waiting to be conquered by her active 
wings ; with nothing except hope to feed her mind ; 
with not even a book or a newspaper to read, — 
