66 THE LIFE OF A BIRD. 



or fastened on like a hammock between three or 

 four stalks of reeds, below the panicles of flowers, 

 in such a manner that the stalks run through the 

 sides of the nests at nearly equal distances ; or, to 

 speak more properly, the nest is tied on to the 

 reeds with dead grass, and sometimes, as being 

 more eligible when it can be had, even with thread 

 and packthread, emulating the work of a semps- 

 tress." The nest, constructed with so much art, is 

 exposed to peculiar perils. It is generally within 

 a foot or two of the water ; and the supports are so 

 elastic, that they yield with every passing wind, or 

 with the movements of the water in which they 

 are rooted. There is imminent risk, therefore, of 

 the destruction of this work of art. But by 

 adopting a triangular support, this risk is much 

 lessened ; and though the nest has been seen forced 

 almost to the surface of the water by a gust of 

 wind, yet its occupant sat secure, confident in the 

 skill with which her dwelling had been constructed. 

 A nest equally elegant and difficult of con- 

 struction, though not the work of a British bird, 

 is formed by the fantail warbler, a native of the 

 south of Europe,* and abundant in the Greek 

 * Gould. 



