1630 THE STORY OF THE UNIVERSE 



pieces of skill and patience. To describe every form 

 and every method would fill a volume. But I can not 

 pass in silence those which reveal a science sure of 

 itself, and which are not very inferior to what man 

 can do in this line. The Lithuanian titmouse 

 (^githalus pendulinus), whose works have been 

 well described by Baldamus, lives in the marshes in 

 the midst of reeds and willows in Poland, Galicia, 

 and Hungary. Its nest, which resembles none met 

 with in England, is always suspended above the 

 water, two or three metres above the surface, fixed 

 to a willow branch. All individuals do not exhibit 

 the same skill in fabricating their dwelling; some are 

 more careful and clever than others who are less ex- 

 perienced. Some also are obliged by circumstances 

 to hasten their work. It frequently happens that 

 magpies spoil or even altogether destroy with blows 

 of their beaks one of these pretty nests. The unfor- 

 tunate couple are obliged to recommence their task, 

 and if this accident happens two or three times to 

 the same household, it can easily be imagined that, 

 discouraged and depressed by the advancing season, 

 they hasten to build a shelter anyhow, only doing 

 what is indispensable, and neglecting perfection. 

 However this may be, the nests which are properly 

 finished have the form of a purse, twenty centimetres 

 high and twelve broad. At the side an opening, pro- 

 longed by a passage which is generally horizontal, 

 gives access to the interior. Sometimes another open- 

 ing is found without any passage. Every nest in the 

 course of construction possesses this second entry, but 

 it is usually filled up when the work is completed. 



