78 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



within outhouses, and even stuck up against the 

 rafters of porches. Before us is 'a fabric which 

 is chiefly composed of mud-pellets with an inter- 

 mixture of divers mosses. The cavity of a Pewit's 

 nest is ordinarily shallow. Within the preceding 

 nest is placed that of the Wren. As the sticks 

 which constitute its exterior, extend nearly to the 

 bottom of the Pewee's nest, it is obvious that a 

 considerable moiety of the interior of the latter, 

 has been wrought out by the Wrens to make the 

 ^necessary room. 



The exteriors of both these nests are wholly 

 composed of sticks of considerable thickness. The 

 interiors are lined mainly \vith feathers and mosses. 

 When constructed in a hollow or perforated tree, 

 the property of some previously existing Wood- 

 pecker, similar elements enter into their compo- 

 sition. 



When a box, or its substitute is at hand, selec- 

 tion is usually made thereof.. But when such is 

 wanting, a hollow-tree is made to serve its pur- 

 pose. When pressed by the irresistible desire to 

 nidificate, the House Wren will not scruple to take 

 possession of the nest of a dissimilar species, 

 either forcibly or during the temporary absence 

 of its rightful occupants. When the nest of a 

 Woodpecker has been captured, the most artful 

 stratagems are practiced to frustrate the endeavors 

 of the injured parties to regain possession. This 

 mischief-loving habit of the Wren has become 

 proverbial. Its natural penchant for the commis- 



