OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 37 



lows he affirms to be lined with miscellaneous materials in 

 great variety, the quantities of which vary with the si/c 

 and configuration of the cavity to be occupied ; the com- 

 posing materials being feathers, loose hay. the hair of small 

 quadrupeds, etc., and the exuviie of snakes which are sel- 

 dom absent. 



In Eastern Pennsylvania, we have had a different exper- 

 ience. Among the many nests which we have yearly ex- 

 amined, there has been noticed considerable diversity in the 

 elements of composition. The cavity is lined with a 

 heterogeneous medley of materials, loosely aggregated, 

 without the slightest evidence of design. To an observer, 

 it would seem as if the materials had been precipitated into 

 the cavity by the birds, until a sufficient quantity had been 

 accumulated, when the contents would be shaken up until all 

 the ingredients had become throughly commingled. Dried 

 grasses, liber of trees, rotten \vood, and feathers, are the 

 chief constituents ; the slough of snakes being an unnotice- 

 able feature. In lieu thereof, we have always found the 

 feathers of the common barnyard fowl to be a characteristic 

 feature of the typical structure. 



That this species does not exclusively nidificate in hol- 

 lows, is an actual fact. A few years ago, on the outskirts <>t 

 Germantown, we once found an occupied nest placed be- 

 tween the bifurcated branch of an apple-tree. It was com- 

 posed almost entirely of the feathers of our common Gaf/t/s. 

 which were held together by long grasses. This fabric, 

 though lacking compactness, was sufficiently strong to en- 

 dure the season, although it is very doubtful that it could 

 withstand the peltings of winter. 



The habit of building in hollow trees is certaiijf y an ac- 

 quired one, rendered necessary by various circumstances. 

 Instances have been recorded of similar changes of habit 

 in other species. It is highly probable that this species 

 built just such a nest as we have described, in primitive 



