276 WASTE-LAND WANDERINGS. 



summer since 1850, that on the morning of the fourth 

 not a bird was to be seen, nor have others since then 

 made their appearance. In this case there were young 

 in about one-half of the row of forty-seven nests. 



This colony, which occupied the eaves of the draw- 

 bridge for eighteen years, did not increase in size. I was 

 informed by one who had w\atched them yearly, that the 

 first summer as many nests were built as were forsaken 

 in 1869. I know from personal observation that for 

 seven summers tlie number of nests remained the same. 

 This may arise from the fact that any structure like a 

 bridge or barn would afford but a limited amount of 

 space available for nest-building ; yet in the case of the 

 former, to my eyes, there was room for several times as 

 many as the birds erected. 



There was no courtship among these birds after their 

 arrival from the south; no waste of time in idle com- 

 pliment ; nothing analogous to human small talk. The 

 long row of nests was before them, and every one 

 needed some repairs. About this they held no consul- 

 tation, but straightway commenced the work. There 

 was not an idle bird among them ; and strange to say, 

 there appeared to be no special ownership of the nests, 

 at least when they were being repaired. Every bird 

 did whatsoever he found to do, be it on this, that, or the 

 other nest. A week later there was a more methodical 

 manner observable, and each Jill may have had her 

 Jack, but the appearances were otherwise. I thought 

 at times that the male birds were considerably in excess, 

 and that here was a case of polyandry, but I may be mis- 

 taken. 



