OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. r,:', 



Wilson's description of the nest of the Wood Pewce though 

 brief and verv unsatisfactory, agrees with our own. He in- 

 forms us that the nest is placed on the upper surface of a 

 branch, and composed outwardly of moss, and lined with 

 a variety of soft materials. 



In Massachusetts. Dr. Brewer says it may he generally 

 found ki in anv open woods, or in an orchard of large 

 spreading trees," often breeding in the latter situations. 

 Usually, a dead limb, from ten to thirty feet high, is chosen. 

 but more rarely a living moss-covered branch. One that, is 

 lichen-clad is invariably selected, upon the superior surface 

 of which the nest is saddled. The fabric is cup-shaped, and 

 is composed of fine root fibres, lichens, fragments of cob- 

 webs, and similiar materials, closely invested exteriorly 

 with lichens and mosses which are glued to the nest proper 

 bv the saliva of the birds. 



A nest of this bird which was taken in Lynn, by Mr. 

 Welch, was constructed upon a dead limb of a forest-tree. 

 The base was somewhat flattened, and the walls were com- 

 posed of fine dry stems and vegetable down-, finely inter- 

 woven, and covered on the exterior with lichens which were 

 cemented to the structure by a viscid secretion, apparently 

 supplied by the builders. The base was thinner, and built 

 ot much softer ingredients. The external diameter was 

 3 inches, and the height i 1-2 inches. The cavity was 21-2 

 at the rim and i inch in depth. 



The labor of nidification is jointly performed by both 

 sexes. The duty of the male being to fetch the necessary 

 materials, while the female busies herself in their suitable 

 adjustment, and also in giving shape and symmetry to the 

 structure. The period required to build a nest varies with 

 the industry of the builders, the character of the nest, and 

 the character of the neighborhood. A nest, perfect in all the 

 details of its structure, requires about five days for its com- 

 pletion. It is not to be presumed that the labor is continu- 

 ous, but rather intermittent in character. 



