OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 21 



forest or orchard tree, or even a low bush, is chosen. In 

 retired situations, a pine-tree is ordinarily selected. The 

 nest is a strong, coarse structure, placed upon a branch, and 

 composed of twigs rudely and firmly interwoven externally. 

 Within, there is a lining of dark fibrous roots. In size, it is 

 alm:>stequal to the nest of Quiscatus purp&reus. Both birds 

 labor together in its construction, working diligently thereat 

 until completion, which requires a period of three days. 

 On the succeeding day, the female begins to oviposit, at the 

 rate of one egg per day. The usual complement of eggs 

 is five, although nests have been found with six eggs, and 

 more rarely with four. Incubation is closely attendant upon 

 oviposition, and "generally commences on the ensuing day. 

 This task is wholly accomplished by the female, while the 

 mule is close by to encourage by his presence, or to protect 

 from danger, save when foraging for both himself and part- 

 ner. He is a very jealous husband, and will allow no in- 

 trusion by any of the feathered denizens of the woods, 

 without resenting it in the most determined manner, and 

 Inflicting summary punishment upon the rash intruder. The 

 period of incubation is about 17 days. 



In Texas, according to Dr. Lincecnm, the nest is built of 

 mud, which is rarely if ever utilized in more northern local- 

 ities. It is lined with rags of calico, cotton thread, and 

 similar materials, when removed but a short distance from 

 human habitations. These latter situations are apparently 

 chosen for the protection which they secure against Hawks. 

 They have but a single brood in a year, and lay only four 

 eggs fora setting. A female which he dissected, contained 

 one hundred and fifty ova, and from this and the preceding 

 data, he was led to the inference that the natural life of the 

 species w r as thirty years. 



The young birds are objects of more than wonte:! solicitude 

 by the parents, who are extremely sedulous in their de- 

 votion to them. They watch over them with a never weary- 

 ing, vigilance, and actually imperil their own lives in their 



