THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 



253 



the tailor-bird, a charming exotic species, which takes two 

 very long lanceolated leaves and sews the edges of them 

 together by means of flexible grass instead of thread. After 



J2G. Tailor-Bird and Nest: Sylvia sutoria (Latham). From the British Museum. 



this the female fills the little sack which they form with 

 cotton, and her pretty young ones rest upon this downy 

 bed, which is gently rocked by the least breath of wind. 

 This nest, which is extremely rare, but of which I saw some 



