142 BRITISH LAND BIRDS. 



its construction too fast. About half-an-inch seems 

 to be a sufficient layer for a day ; and thus, in 

 about ten or eleven days, a hemispheric, or globe- 

 like nest is formed, with a small aperture towards 

 the top ; compact and warm, and perfectly adapted 

 to its purposes. The crust or shell, is a sort of 

 rustic work, full of nobs and protuberances on 

 the outside; but the inside is smoothed with 

 more care, and, in some instances, has even a 

 glazed appearance.* 



A volume might be filled on the subject of 

 birds' nests, they are so wonderful. The follow- 

 ing pretty lines by Mr. Pennant, will please the 

 reader. 



" Behold a bird's nest, 

 Mark it well, within, without. 

 No tool had he that wrought ; no knife to cut, 

 No nail to fix, no bodkin to insert, 

 No glue to join ; his little beak was all. 

 And yet how nicely finish'd ! What neat hand 

 With every implement and means of art 

 Could compass such another ?" 



It is certainly, in the construction of their nests 

 that birds display the most striking and varied 

 indications of contrivance; and often they have 

 recourse to means which would do credit to a 

 reasoning being. A pair of goldfinches had built 

 their nest on a small brangh of an olive-tree. 

 * Thompson. 



