NIDIFICATION. 81 



some of the filaments. On the outside the 

 whole structure was quite covered with spider's 

 web, crossed and recrossed in every direction, 

 and made to adhere by some viscous substance 

 (saliva?) evidently applied after the web was 

 placed. Particles of pale green lichen, and frag- 

 ments of thin laminated bark were stuck here 

 and there on the outside, by means of the webs 

 having been passed over them. This may be 

 considered as the usual or normal mode of struc- 

 ture, but variations occur from local causes. 

 Tor example, in the nest at Bognie cave moss 

 only was used, and the base was produced to a 

 lengthened point. A nest of exceeding beauty, 

 says Mr. G-osse, " is now before me ; it is com- 

 posed wholly of pure silk-cotton, bound profusely 

 with the finest web, undistinguishable excepfc 

 on close examination ; not a fragment of lichen 

 mars the beautiful uniformity of its appearance. 

 Others are studdeu all over with lichens ; and 

 these, too, have a peculiar rustic prettiness. 

 The situations chosen for nidification, as will 

 have been perceived, are very various." 



Speaking of the TROCHILTJS MINIMUS, which 

 he calls the Yervain Humming-bird, he observes, 

 that " its season of nidification seems to be as 

 protracted as in other species peculiar to Ja- 

 maica. The small bushes of Lantana, so com- 

 mon by road-sides, and always covered with 

 orange and yellow blossom, are favourite situa- 

 tions for the domestic economy of this minim 

 G 



