130 THE LIFE OF A BIRD. 



slight cavity, lined with a little grass pulled for 

 the purpose. Another egg is laid ; the grass is 

 again plucked, and the nest is increased in height. 

 Other marsh plants are also employed ; and the 

 structure is fastened in the midst of the thickest 

 tufts, above high-water mark. As the number of 

 eggs increases, the height of the nest increases 

 also, until the full complement of eggs, ten, has 

 been deposited. The nest is now raised to the 

 height of twelve inches, or more, to secure it 

 from the rising tides ; and over it the long grass is 

 skilfully arched and knit at the top, so as to con- 

 ceal it from view. fc But this very circumstance," 

 observes Wilson, " enables the experienced egg- 

 hunter to distinguish the spot at the distance of 

 thirty or forty yards, though imperceptible to a 

 common eye." During this time the males stand 

 erect, and cry aloud at the least sound they hear, 

 guarding their mates and their nests with exem- 

 plary devotedness. So deep is the nest, that the 

 eggs in it look as if they were at the bottom of 

 a deep funnel. The attachment of the birds to 

 their nest and eggs is very strong ; an d the poor 

 birds are exposed to many accidents fatal in their 

 consequences. 



