338 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



security which it affords; the nest is thus placed 

 out of the reach of viciously inclined birds, and 

 equally mischievous boys. Both birds apply them- 

 selves vigorously to the task until the nest is com- 

 pleted, which requires a period from three to four 

 days. The duty of adjusting the materials 

 belongs to the female, while that of fetching the 

 same appertains to her partner. On its comple- 

 tion, very little time is wasted before oviposition 

 commences. A single egg is deposited daily, 

 until the complement of four eggs is laid. Incu- 

 bation begins on the following day, and continues 

 during a period of ten days. This labor is entirely 

 performed by the female. While the latter is thus 

 engaged, the male contributes his share of labor 

 by administering to her wants; when not thus 

 employed, he takes a position close by the nest, 

 and exercises the most unremitting vigilance. 

 Should the nest be assailed by intruders, with 

 loud noises and menacing gestures, he essays to 

 drive them off, not even hesitating in the case of 

 human foes to offer an assault. At last conscious 

 of his inability to prevent any contemplated depre- 

 dation, all further efforts are desisted from, and 

 loud and bitter expostulations are indulged in by 

 the offended parents. 



Their attentions to the young are unwearied, 

 and prompted by the purest love. * Their solicitude 

 is unbounded. Both parents labor vigorously to 

 provide them with suitable and abundant nourish- 

 ment. In about eleven days the young quit the 



