STOCKING-NESTS. 107 



more complicated the nest of the stocking bird 

 of India. This is a highly curious structure. It 

 is a flattened nest, closely interwoven of the fibres 

 of grass ; the centre is occupied by several apart- 

 ments, and at the extremity are the entrances 

 to the nest. Without seeing a section of this nest, 

 it is difficult to form an idea of its actual con- 

 struction. It appears to be rather complicated in 

 its internal arrangements. Externally, it is smooth 

 in structure, and interwoven with consummate 

 skill, scarcely a loose end appearing. 



These nests of both kinds are, in all probability, 

 constructed by the bottle-nested sparrows ; and in 

 one which is only half-completed, the head and 

 yellow breast of this ingenious bird appears. They 

 are common in most parts of Hindostan ; and it is 

 not improbable that there are two or three species, 

 each constructing a somewhat similar nest. One 

 species probably constructs the retort -like nests, 

 another the stocking-like. The birds associate in 

 large communities in the groves, to which their 

 animated sounds and brilliant plumage communi- 

 cate a peculiar charm. In a recent journey 

 from Mokha on the Ked Sea, Mr. Cruttenden 

 says : " We have observed many large trees, 



