THE RED-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD. 89 



of May begins to build its nest. This is generally 

 fixed on the upper side of a horizontal branch, not 

 among the twigs, but on the body of the branch it- 

 self. Yet I have known instances where it was 

 attached by the side to an old moss-grown trunk, 

 and others where it was fastened on a strong rank 

 stalk or weed in the garden ; but these cases are 

 rare. In the woods it very often chooses a white- 

 oak sapling to build on, and in the orchard or garden 

 selects a pear-tree for that purpose. The branch 

 is seldom more than ten feet from the ground. The 

 nest is about an inch in diameter, and as much in 

 depth. A very complete one is now lying before 



Nest of the Humming- Bird. 



me, and the materials of which it is composed are 

 as follows : The outward coat is formed of small 

 pieces of a species of bluish-gray lichen that vege- 

 tates on old trees and fences, thickly glued on with 

 the saliva of the bird, giving firmness and consist- 

 ency to the whole, as well as keeping out moisture. 



