Introduction 



XXlll 



on to the tree), bearing large clusters of purple grapes. In the 

 branches we behold birds' nests with eggs, while higher up is 

 this nest containing four young birds nearly full-fledged. The 

 spirited original, which is better than many drawings produced 

 in modern times, represents the nestlings at the critical moment 

 of being fed. The parent, doubtless a Pigeon, is coming full tilt 

 toward the nest, while her young, with their necks upstretched, 

 mouths agape, and wings a-quiver, are calling eagerly. 



Nest life of birds as represented in Egypt seven 

 hundred years before the traditional founding of 

 Rome. 



Three other birds, and five other nests, containing either two 

 or three eggs, appear in this or adjoining trees. Since Pigeons 

 lay but two eggs, our ancient artist has overstepped the bounds 

 of ornithological accuracy, but the picture is of remarkable in- 

 terest, and is the oldest elaborate drawing of nest life yet re- 

 corded, and the best to be seen on the Egyptian monuments. 



The conventional form of the birds' nest (a saucer, or cres- 

 centic figure with rounded horns), which had been in use for 

 nearly fifteen hundred years, as is proved by existing remains, 



