NATURAL HISTORY. 



243 



Behold, within the leafy shade, 



Those speckled eggs together laid ! 



On me the chance-discovered sight 



Gleamed like a vision of delight." WORDSWORTH. 



best by a series of short nights ; and when the coast is clear, she again flies into 

 the bush, chirping softly the note of safety, and soon after the male resumes 



761. Why do goldfinches build their neste on flexible branches 

 in preference to rigid ones ? 



Because the young being thua 

 rocked to and fro in the nest, 

 are made accustomed to the 

 motion which they will after- 

 wards experience when seeking 

 their food on the tops of tall 

 and flexible stems. 



762. Wliy does the titmouse suspend its nest over a pond 

 or stream ? 



In order to preserve it from the attacks of quadrupeds and 

 reptiles. 



763. What is especially remarkable in the plumage of the 

 canary bird ? 



Its light sulphur colour, which it has exchanged for the grey or 

 brown hue of its native islands. 



764. This little captive songster was introduced to Europe early in the 16tb 

 century, and is believed to have spread from the coast of Italy, where a vessel, 

 which was bringing to Leghorn a number of these birds, besides merchandise, w;is 

 wrecked. The climate being favourable, they increased ; but they did not become 

 naturalised, being entrapped by breeders for the purpose of sale. 



765. Wliy are birds of Paradise so catted ? 



Tu earlier ages these birds, which are peculiar in their structur* 

 11* 



