I 6 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



braces butterflies and moths, the larvae of Anisop- 

 tcryx vernata, Eufitchici ribearia, Gortyna zc<z> 

 Colias philodice. Fieri s rapa\ P. brassicce, with the 

 images of the same, besides earth-worms and ant. 



The nest is generally built according to our 

 experience, upon the horizontal branch, and oc- 

 casionally within the crotch of some species of 

 Finns, at an elevation of less than two feet above 

 the ground. We have taken nests at an elevation 

 of fifteen feet above the soil ; but rarely. 



A normal structure is described as being chiefly 

 composed of decayed deciduous leaves closely 

 aggregated, as if combined while in a humid 

 condition; the entire fabric assuming consider- 

 able firmness and compactness. It then pre- 

 sents the appearance of paste board that has. 

 been soaked and compressed until thoroughly 

 dried. These are intermingled and strengthened 



o o 



by a few dried sticks, and lined with a layer of 

 fine roots and grasses. In lieu of the dried im- 

 pacted leaves, a deposit of mucl is occasionally 

 used. 



After careful analyses of several nests, we are 

 satisfied that the above description which is sub- 

 stantially that of Dr. Brewer's as given in "North 

 American Birds," needs some modification. But 

 in the language of one of our best ornithologists, 

 " the horizon of one man is at the best very limited, 

 and many ornithological facts occur that are not 

 dreamed of in his philosophy." 



Our dissections of many nests clearly show 



