32 Zbc TOarbler 



At the top of the nest, where it was fastened to the branch and where 

 was placed the entrance way, the walls thickened again. and the chamber with- 

 in narrowed down to a tube, barely wide enough for the mother to squeeze 

 through. Evidently it was so planned that she could brace her feet against 

 the sides and so climb out with little chance of disturbing the precious eggs. 

 One twig from the oak limb ran straight across the neck of the rest, scarce- 

 ly half an inch below the hole. This was apparently for the especial use of 

 Mother Bush-Tit as she entered and left the nest. Indeed, while I watched 

 the pair, after they had seen me at the nest, they flew repeatedly through 

 the cloud of bees and seemed to be seeking some familiar perch — possibly 

 the male bird was in the habit of roosting there by night. 



As has been said, the eggs resemble those of Lawrence's Goldfinch, ex- 

 cept in size. When blown they lose the pinkish luster which adds so much 

 to the beauty of all thin-shelled white eggs. They are very fragile and more 

 delicate to blow than are any of the Hummingbird's eggs I have ever col- 

 lected. 



