THE STRANGE EGG IN THE NEST. 129 



where a Woodpecker has once lived. The ma- 

 terials for the nest are very scanty. But, mixed 

 with them, is always a piece of snake-skin, 

 cast off by the reptile when he changes his coat, 

 and which is readily met with in the forest. 

 The nest has never been seen without it ; and 

 it forms a soft, silky bed for the young to lie 

 upon. It has even been thought that the sight 

 of the snake-skin coiled round the nest may have 

 the effect of driving aw T ay intruders. 



The most welcome of all the Fly-catchers is 

 a bird called the Peewit. 



When the Peewit is heard to utter his note, 

 the gardener may begin to plant his peas and 

 beans, and to sow his onions and radishes. The 

 cold weather is sure to be over then. 



The Peewit loves to haunt streams and rivers, 

 and to build his nest under the arch of a bridge 

 or in a cave. The nest is made of mud mixed 

 with wax, and is lined with hair and with flax. 

 He will sit on some twig close by, while the 

 young are being hatched, and utter his peculiar 

 cry of " Pee-wit, pee-wit." 



(393; 9 



