ITS NEST. 



179 



to build tlieir nests — generally in the midst of a coppice 

 or thicket, but sometimes at the roots of closely-growing 

 hedgerows. The construction is rude enough : the outer 

 layer consists of dry leaves, loosely put together, and 

 extending some inches from the nest proper, which is 



NIGHTINGALE. 



cup-shaped, about four inches in breadth and as many in 

 depth, and formed of small, dry fibrous roots woven to- 

 gether, and lined with hair and moss. Herein the female 

 deposits from four to six eggs, of a pale brownish colour. 

 The male and female both take part in the labour of incu- 

 bation. When the nestlings are old enough to shift for 



