12 THE LIFE OF A BIRD. 



second year after the birds began to build in the 

 church. 



In a number of the Bolton Chronicle for 1830, 

 is the following statement: "There is now in 



the yard of a robin sitting upon five eggs, 



which had chosen for the situation of its nest the 

 nave of an old cart-wheel!" They have been 

 also known to build their nests in the fold of a 

 bed-curtain, where they have been kindly per- 

 mitted also to rear their young. At Fort William, 

 near Belfast, a gentleman has stated that one of 

 these birds built its nest in his pantry. The place 

 selected was the corner of a moderately high shelf, 

 among bottles, which being four-sided gave the 

 nest the singular appearance exteriorly of a perfect 

 square. It was made of moss, and lined with a 

 little black hair ; and on the side exposed to view 

 were dead beech leaves. Here five eggs were laid, 

 which proved unfruitful. The bird still continued 

 to visit the place, but now resorted to a room 

 above^the apartment, which was occupied for the 

 purpose of stuffing birds. Being often expelled, 

 and still persisting in its returns, the bird came to 

 be looked upon as a troublesome visitor, and it 

 was determined to frighten it away. In this room 



