20 



SUMMER 



IV 



But there are many smaller, individual things to 

 be seen this summer, and among them, notable for 

 many reasons, is a hummingbird's nest. " When 

 completed it is scarcely larger than an English wal- 

 nut and is usually sad- 

 dled on a small hori- 

 zontal limb of a tree or 

 shrub frequently many 

 iwnspTesEsaa^ ^ eefc fr m tne ground, 

 it It is composed almost 



n^^>:'-r-; ''^P^^I^P? i^<&*^ . - i t> 



entirely or 

 *-^ soft plant 

 fibers, frag- 

 ments of spi- 

 ders' webs 

 sometimes 

 being used 



to hold them in shape. The sides are thickly studded 

 with bits of lichen, and practiced, indeed, is the eye 

 of the man who can distinguish it from a knot on 

 the limb." 



This is the smallest of birds' nests and quite as 

 rare and difficult to find as any single thing that 

 you can go out to look for. You will stumble upon 

 one now and then ; but not many in a whole life- 

 time. Let it be a test of your keen eye this find- 

 ing of a little hummer's nest with its two white eggs 



