NATURAL HISTORY. 201 



inch across ; and from a little distance, appears 

 more like a small knot upon the branch than 

 like a bird's nest. The outside of the nest 

 from which this picture is made, was covered 

 with a kind of bluish-gray lichen, that grows 

 in scales upon old trees and fences : this 

 seemed to be glued on by the bird in some 

 way or other. The inside was the felt, and 

 was made of the fine down from seeds that 

 float about in the air, mixed with the down 

 from mullein-weed and stalks of fine grass. 

 This, boys, is the smallest nest made by a 

 bird, I believe ; and some insects make larger 

 houses for themselves than this bird does. 



" But I have not time at present to talk 

 with you any longer, as I have letters to 

 write ; and therefore I must bid you good 

 morning." 



" Farewell, Uncle Philip." 



