62 THE HOUSE SPARROW. 



of other nests having been found in similar positions. 

 Professor Gilbert, of Germantown, has recently called 

 my attention to a nest of this species, which was placed 

 upon a branch, and securely attached thereto. It was 

 protected from above by an arch-like arrangement, 

 which was firmly fastened to the walls of the nest proper, 

 evidently constituting a part of the structure. A nearly 

 circular aperture formed the only doorway by which ac- 

 cess could be obtained to the cosy chamber within. 



It would seem from the foregoing statement that, 

 when deprived of the covering which nature affords in 

 various ways in the shape of decayed tree-trunks and 

 branches and the matted leaves and vines of the common 

 ivy, or when deprived of the many human contrivances 

 for nesting purposes, these birds obtain the requisite 

 shelter and comfort, in exposed situations, by building 

 roofs to their domiciles. Here, it is obvious, is another 

 proof, in addition to the many which have been recorded 

 from time to time, of the well-known truth that the 

 actions of the feathered creation are controlled by a 

 reason, similar in kind but different in degree, from 

 that which inspires human motives, and governs human 

 actions. Here is evidence of a high mentality. 



Does the sparrow occupy the same nest any two con- 

 secutive years together, or does it, on each annual return 

 of the breeding-season, seek a new locality ? I incline to 

 the former belief. "When the nest is placed in a box, in 

 many instances, the old and soiled materials are carried 

 out, and a fresh supply takes their place. The compara- 

 tive ease with which this labor can be accomplished 

 renders it preferable to any other. But in cases where 

 the nest is situated deep down in a hollow tree-branch, 

 the labor of removing the entire materials, especially 



