80 OUU NATIVE SONGSTERS. 



and I thought my little protege safe from harm, 

 when a flock of ducks that had strayed from the 

 poultry-yard, with their usual curiosity, ^went 

 straight to the nest, which was very conspicuous, 

 as tlie grass had not grown high enough to conceal 

 it, and witli their bills spread it quite open, dis- 

 placed the eggs, and made it a complete ruin. I 

 now despaired ; but immediately, on driving the 

 authors of the mischief away, I tried to restore the 

 nest to something like its proper form, and ])laced 

 the eggs inside. That same day, I was astonished to 

 find an addition of another cgg^ and in about a 

 week, of four more. The bird sate, and ultimately 

 brought out seven young ones ; but I cannot help 

 supposing it a singular instance of attachment 

 and confidence, after being twice so nidely dis- 

 turbed." 



Birds in general show great attachment to 

 their nests, and the notion that they will forsake 

 them if the eggs are touched, seems quite incor- 

 rect. Mr. Sweet, who tried many experiments on 

 this subject, was of opinion that they would not 

 forsake the nest wliile laying, let the eggs be 

 handled ever so much. He considers that it is the 

 fright endured by the bird on being driven out, 



