FRIENDS IN FEATHERS 



coarse twigs artlessly laid in any thick shrubbery or evergreen 

 being the rule. Frequently I have been able to tell whether a 

 Dove's nest contained eggs or young birds by standing under it 

 and looking through the bottom. 



This nest was built of fine material, and no doubt to make it 

 inconspicuous, everything used in its construction harmonized 

 with the shades of colour on the rails, until at a distance, seen on a 

 level with the rail, it appeared like a knot in the wood. There 

 were two delicate, opalescent white eggs in it, as is the rule, while 

 all around and overhanging it was a thicket of maple sprouts. 



I have made studies of Doves' nests in March, when there was 

 a skiff of snow on the ground, all the way through the spring and 

 until July, in every location, and of every construction imagin- 

 able, but this was the most perfect picture and the most individ- 

 ual piece of architecture I yet had seen. I always have had a 

 good opinion of Doves. They compel that by their charming 

 characteristics and absolute harmlessness. These Doves gave 

 me a deeper respect for the whole species by proving their sense 

 in constructing this nest. 



Had they piled on this rail a rough little heap of their ordinary 

 construction, I should have said: "Doves' usual work! It's to 

 be hoped the eggs won't roll out!" Before that nest I held my 

 breath. 



" Oh, Bob," I cried. " Oh, Bob ! Do you see what they have 

 done? Do you see how they have kept to the colouring of the 

 fence and built to imitate a knot-hoie, as surely as ever Fly- 

 catcher did?" 



"By Jove!" exclaimed Bob. "That's a fact! I didn't know 

 they had that much sense." 



Neither did I. But now that I have seen for myself, my esti- 

 mation of the whole species rises. It is things like these, small 

 things, which set nature-students wondering. Had these Doves 



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