NIDIFICATION. 59 



they are careful to place them in hidden places 

 out of the way of the prying schoolboy, and 

 to construct them of such material as will har- 

 monise with the surroundings. The different 

 species display great ingenuity and not a little 

 architectural skill in the construction of their 

 nests, not two being alike. When building, male 

 and female work assiduously in carrying material 

 and weaving the fabric. When the young are 

 hatched they are unremitting in their attentions 

 to their brood's wants, defending them from the 

 attacks of enemies with great boldness and per- 

 severance. 



" The poor Wren, 



The most diminutive of birds, will fight, 

 Her young ones in her nest, against the Owl." 



Mac. iv. 2. 



The larger birds, such as the Partridge, Wood- 

 cock, and Duck, will often feign being wounded, 

 and flutter along the ground with extended wings 

 in the greatest distress, for the purpose of with- 

 drawing attention from their nest or young. 



