TRAP-DOOR TO A NEST. Ill 



diately resumed its position when the pressure 

 was removed. The bird was once seen flying out 

 in great haste, but its exit was not in the least 

 incommoded by the feather. 



The nut-hatch has also recourse to an inge- 

 nious contrivance, which renders its nest more 

 comfortable. The bird is sure to select the de- 

 serted habitation of some wood-pecker. But the 

 entrance to this wooden abode being larger than 

 the nut-hatch considers convenient, it proceeds to 

 contract it by plastering round the hole, until it 

 has just left sufficient room for it to pass in and 

 out. The nest is formed of dead leaves. If the 

 barrier is accidentally destroyed, the bird again 

 rears it up. It has been thought that the intention 

 of this barrier was to prevent the young from 

 tumbling out of the nest ; just as we put iron 

 rails before our nursery windows } or as we may 

 have often seen the poor put up a little gate at 

 the entrance of their houses. Probably, however, 

 the intention in view is simply to render the 

 nest more warm and comfortable, by diminishing 

 the aperture for the admission of air. 



Before concluding these chapters on the situa- 

 tion, materials, construction, and form and size of 



