NEST OF THE GRALLINA. 47 



hands of the potter ; and from its size, smooth- 

 ness, and rounded shape, it wears a close resem- 

 blance to an earthen vessel. What adds to its 

 singularity is, that it is frequently placed on a 

 bare horizontal branch, conspicuous to every eye. 

 Sometimes the bird selects brown mould for its 

 material; and when this is the case, it works up 

 blades of grass with it, so as to render the mass 

 coherent. It is very probable that a glutinous 

 secretion may be added to the materials ; other- 

 wise the tenacity and preservation of the nest, 

 especially in its apparently dangerous position on 

 the bough, cannot be easily accounted for. It is 

 lined with dry grass and feathers. In the collec- 

 tion at the British Museum, a nest of this kind 

 is to be seen. 



The next material of the nest to which our 

 attention is called, is one of great singularity. 

 Those of our readers who have enjoyed the oppor- 

 tunity of visiting the Chinese Collection, which 

 used to be exhibited near Hyde Park Corner, in 

 London, will remember the curious objects con- 

 tained in Case 41. Among other rarities were 

 the singular dwarf trees which these people so 

 highly value ; and by their side were two speci- 



