:>(> LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



rical, and more elegant than any previously met with. It" the 

 actions of birds are always controlled by the principle of 

 instinct, it is obvious that no regard would have been paid 

 by ccdrorum to our kind intentions. But the simple 

 admission that reason was at work in controlling their 

 actions, much of the mystery which seems to envelop them. 

 is readily explained away. Instinct is always the same ; it 

 never advances, never retrogrades ; but reason tends to im- 

 provement, when it can serve a wise purpose. 



As the nests which constitute the chief part of the subject- 

 matter of the present sketch, were found in close proximity 

 to each other, it would seem that circumstances peculiar to 

 the neighborhood, had rendered these deviations from the 

 common tvpe, necessary. Observation teaches us. that when 

 danger or some other circumstances render a change in the 

 character of a nest necessary, that deviation is made in an 

 equal degree and in the same manner, bv all the individuals 

 of a species ; and that it does not extend beyond the limits 

 of the region where alone it can serve a good intention. 



But a truce to this lengthy digression. The nest being- 

 completed, the female bird in a day or two afterwards, be- 

 gins to oviposit. The usual complement of eggs is five, 

 although we have met instances where but four eg^s con- 

 stituted a sitting. But a single egg is daily deposited. The 

 labor of incubation, which usually commences on the day 

 following the last egg-deposit, is solely performed by the 

 female, and continues for n days. Whilst she is thus occu- 

 pied, the male is one of the most faithful and attentive of 

 husbands. When not busy in foraging for himself and 

 most patient mate, he is her constant companion, cheering 

 by his presence and demeanor the ennui of her task. 

 Should an assault be made upon his home by a feathered 

 foe, he makes no loud demonstrations of grief, but quietly 

 retires to a safe distance and contemplates the sacrilege in 

 moody silence. The presence of human beings within 

 reaching distance of the nest, does not apparently disturb 



