NIDIFICATION. 



" The cleft-tree 



Offers its concealment to a few ; 

 Their food its insects, and its moss 



their nests ; 



Others apart, far in the grassy dale, 

 Or rough'ning waste, their humble 

 texture weave." 



Thomson. 



EST-BUILDING is an instinctive 

 art, and although birds show con- 

 siderable intelligence in the choos- 

 ing of the materials for their nests, 

 and ingenuity in the weaving of 

 them together, the nests of the 

 different species seldom vary. Cir- 

 cumstances may arise for strength- 

 ening the structure to prevent its 

 falling, or being blown down, and instances of 

 wonderful achievements in this are on record. 

 49 



