DR. THEODOR NEUMANN. 175 



cover, moss and lichens of the same tree on which the nest 

 is built, and arrange them in exactly the same manner as 

 they are on the bark of the tree. Consequently, it looks 

 so exactly like its surroundings that it is hard to lind ; but 

 if one has found it, he cahnot but admire the elegant ap- 

 pearance of this residence, and we need not wonder that 

 it has inspired even poets to sing its praise. In a little 

 nursery-rhyme book I found the following lines which I 

 beg to read to you, trusting that you will find them just 

 as charming as some of my friends to whom I showed 

 them : 



NEST OF THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 



There, where those boughs of blackthorn cross, 



Behold that oval ball of moss ; 



Observe it near, all knit together. 



Moss, willow-down, and many a feather, 



And tilled within, as you may see, 



As full of feathers as can be ; 



Whence it is called by country folk 



A fitting name, the feather-poke ; 



But learned people, I have heard, 



Parus caudatus call the bird. 



Yes, here's a nest ! a nest indeed. 



That doth all other nests exceed, 



Propped with the blackthorn twigs beneath. 



And festooned with a woodbine wreath ! 



Look at it close, all knit together, 



Moss, willoW'down, and many a feather; 



So soft, so light, so wrought with grace. 



So suited to this green-wood place. 



And spangled o'er, as with intent, 



Of giving fitting ornament. 



With silvery flakes of lichen bright, 



That shine like opals, dazzling white. 



Think only of the creature small, 



That wrought this soft and silvery ball, 



113 



