THE KING-BIRD. 125 



ney from the more Tropical regions, and seem at 

 first rather fatigued, and utter no sound or note. 

 But they soon recover themselves, and make a 

 sharp, tremulous cry, which is heard in the fields 

 and woods. 



They do not like the deep shades of the forest, 

 but choose orchards, or sweet-smelling clover- 

 fields, or even gardens, close by the dwellings of 

 man, and where insects abofand. 



When they have chosen their partners, they set 

 about building the nest. 



They make choice of a branch that shoots out 

 in a convenient manner from the tree. Then they 

 pick up a few twigs to fix upon it, and make a 

 beginning. Next, they fly about seeking for bits 

 of hemp, or wool, or cotton, or whatever they 

 can find ; and they are not particular where they 

 get it from. 



They place it in thick layers or rows, and make 

 a good strong fabric. They line the nest with 

 hair or fibrous roots ; and when it is finished, the 

 mother-bird lays her eggs. 



Then her partner begins to keep watch, and to 



