SIRDS'-NESTS. 155 



that it is much larger, appears almost iden- 

 tical with the nest of the humming-bird. 



But the nest of nests, the ideal nest, after 

 we have left the deep woods, is unquestion- 

 ably that of the Baltimore oriole. It is the 

 only perfectly pensile nest we have. The 

 nest of the orchard oriole is indeed mainly 

 so, but this bird generally builds lower and 

 shallower, more after the manner of the 

 vireos. 



The Baltimore oriole loves to attach its 

 nest to the swaying branches of the tallest 

 elms, making no attempt at concealment, but 

 satisfied if the position be high and the 

 branch pendent. This nest would seem to 

 cost more time and skill than any other bird 

 structure. A peculiar flax-like substance 

 seems to be always sought after, and always 

 found. The nest when completed assumes 

 the form of a large, suspended gourd. The 

 walls are thin but firm, and proof against the 

 most driving rain. The mouth is hemmed 

 or overhanded with horse-hair, and the sides 

 are usually sewed through and through with 

 the same. 



Not particular as to the matter of secrecy, 

 the bird is not particular as to material, so 

 that it be of the nature of strings or threads. 



