2 THE LIFE OF A BIRD. 



the present volume is, first, to watch the actions 

 of various birds, in the foundation and construc- 

 tion of their nests, then to watch the dawn of life 

 in the egg, its development in the chick, and 

 finally, to offer some account of the structure and 

 characters of a perfect bird. Thus we shall 

 have the pleasure of commencing the study of 

 Ornithology that is, the history of birds at the 

 beginning; and having learned what is to be 

 learned upon the history of any bird, we shall be 

 well prepared to enter upon the higher task of 

 arranging these beautiful creatures into orders, 

 tribes, and families. Our present chapter will be 

 confined chiefly to a notice of the various situa- 

 tions selected by birds for their nests. 



" The construction and selected situations of 

 the nests of birds," observes Mr. Knapp, " are as 

 remarkable as the variety of materials employed 

 in them ; the same forms, places, and articles being 

 rarely, perhaps never, found united by the dif- 

 ferent species which we should suppose similar 

 necessities would direct to a uniform provision. 

 Birds that build early in the spring seem to re- 

 quire warmth and shelter for their young; and 

 the blackbird and the thrush line their nests with 



