NORTHERN HUMMING-BIRD. 131 



in Pennsylvania; and about the 10th of May, begins 

 to build its nest. In the Savanna in Georgia, it 

 appvears from the south about the 23d of March, two 

 weeks earlier than it does sixty miles higher up the 

 country. 



" The nest is generally fixed on the upper side of 

 a horizontal branch, not among the twigs, but on the 

 body of the branch itself. Yet I have known in- 

 stances where it was attached by the side to an old 

 moss-grown trunk ; and others where it was fastened 

 on a strong rank stalk, or weed, in the garden ; but 

 these cases are rare. In the woods it very often chooses 

 a white oak sapling to build on ; and in the orchard or 

 garden, selects a pear-tree for that purpose; the 

 branch is seldom more than ten feet from the ground. 

 The nest is about an inch in diameter, and as much 

 in depth ; the outward coat is formed of small pieces 

 of a species of bluish-gray lichen, that vegetates on 

 old trees and fences, thickly glued over with the saliva 

 of the bird, giving firmness and consistency to the 

 whole, as well as keeping out moisture ; within this 

 are thick matted layers of the fine wings of certain 

 flying seeds, closely laid together; and lastly, the 

 downy substance from the great mullein, and from 

 stalks of the common fern, lines the whole. The base of 

 the nest is continued round the stem of the branch, to 

 which it closely adheres ; and when viewed from below, 

 appears a mere mossy knot, or accidental protuberance. 

 The eggs are two, pure white, and of equal thickness 

 on both sides. On a person approaching their nest, 



