C>-2 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



give it a very close resemblance to the nest of 'froc/iilns 

 coJnbrh which it nearly rivals in symmetry and beauty. It 

 measures three and a half inches in external diameter, and 

 one and a half inches in height. The diameter of the cav- 

 ity is about two inches, and the depth in the centre, three- 

 fourths of an inch. 



The most beautiful nest, as well as the most perfectly 

 unique, was procured during the spring of 1876. It was 

 built between the horixontal branch of an apple-tree, in 

 close contiguity to a farm-house. Externally, it is closely 

 covered with bluish-gray crustaceous lichens, which are 

 held in situ by a few cobwebs, and fragments of the silk of 

 caterpillars. The bottom of the nest consists of dried stems 

 of grasses, upon which reposes a beautiful and cosy super- 

 structure of the fibres of Li num. Virginia mini and L. usi- 

 tatissimum, with a slight sprinkling of wool, variously 

 interwoven, but presenting a somewhat circular arrangement 

 on the internal walls. This fabric measures 3 1-2 inches in 

 external diameter, and i 1-2 inches in height. The diame- 

 ter of the cavity is 2 inches, and its depth in the centre, 3-4 

 of an inch. 



When nests are saddled upon branches, there is consider- 

 able saving of material, economy being doubtless practised 

 at the expense of comfort. In some cases, the bottom of the 

 nest is so thin, that on being detached from the supporting 

 surface and held to the light, it presents a sieve-like appear- 

 ance. But those which are constructed in forked branches, 

 are provided with an abundance of material, thus constitu- 

 ting a warm and comfortable nest for the tender brood. 



The habit of building upon the superior surface of a 

 limb, was doubtless acquired at a very remote period in the 

 history of the species. The nest's resemblance to an anomalous 

 growth overgrown with moss, such as is commonly observ- 

 ed upon the diseased brandies of the different species of 

 .Qttcrnis. is certainly protective in its character, and as such, 

 of considerable advantage to the species. 



