OF NEW ENGLAND. 



253 



(6). The nest is one of the most -interesting specimens of 

 bird-architecture to be found in New England. It is pensile, 

 being from five to eight inches deep, and is generally fastened 

 (near the end) to the bough of an elm or orchard-tree, where, 

 often beyond the direct reach of all enemies, it swings with the 

 slightest breeze, though secure from destruction by the most 

 violent gale. It consists of plant-fibres, dry grasses, and 

 such materials as may be accidentally obtained, such as thread, 

 string, yarn, wool, and bits of cloth, all of which are firmly 

 interwoven. Though its structure and shape exhibit much 

 variation, yet it is usually enlarged near the bottom, and 

 warmly lined, most often with hairs. It is frequently built be- 



Fig. 13. Baltimore Oriole (f). 



neath a canopy of leaves, so as to be sheltered from the rays 

 of the sun. In Massachusetts, it is generally finished in the 

 last week of May, or about the first of June. Dr. Abbott 

 believes it to be built, when in exposed situations, so as to 

 conceal the sitting bird, especially from hawks, but otherwise 

 to be more open at the top. 



The eggs of each set are four, five, or sometimes six, average 

 90 X '60 of an inch, and are white, feebly tinged with an in- 

 definite color, or bluish, and are marked (but not thickly) with 

 lines, scrawls, and spots, of brown, black, and often faint lilac. 



(c). The male Golden " Robins" are among the few brilliant 



