NIDIFICATION. 51 



after they arrive. In the summer of 1900, which 

 was very wet, a Martin's nest, under the eaves 

 of my house, fell, being probably loosened by 

 the long-continued rains. In the nest were 

 four young birds, one of which had been killed 

 by the fall. The others were placed in a small 

 basket, which was put on the top of a kennel 

 close by, and the old ones came and fed the 

 young until they were able to fly. No effort 

 was made to build a new nest to replace the 

 fallen one. Perhaps the lateness of the season 

 (September) might account for this. In the same 

 spot there has been a nest for many years, the 

 old structure having a yearly look over and 

 patch up. When there is no natural cover the 

 Martin roofs over its nest. In this it differs 

 from the Swallow, which leaves its nest open 

 on the top. The Martins' and Swallows' nests 

 are made of mud, into which is introduced bits 

 of straw and twigs, and outside they have the 

 appearance of the " harling " often seen on houses. 

 The Skylark builds its nest in a scooped-out 



