12 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
held in situ by strands of silk. Uj^on this basis was built a superstruc- 
ture of fine rootlets, intermingled with patches of wool. 
The nest which we have figured in the Plate was found in the 
vicinity of Philadelijhia, Pa., in the summer of 1876. It is represented 
the usual size, and shown in its natural position upon a cluster of 
blackberry branches. Exteriorly, it is formed of wrapping string, bits of 
thread, fine roots, cotton ravelings, a few grayish lichens, and bunches of 
discolored raw cotton in great quantities. Interiorly, there is a lining of 
slender grass stems, which monotony is relieved in a measure by a piece 
of lamp-wick. The external diameter is five inches, and the height about 
two and a half. The cavity is three and a half inches, and the depth an 
inch and a half. 
Such facts as are detailed above, with innumerable others of a similar 
nature that might be adduced, most abundantly and conclusively prove 
that birds are not the dull, senseless, routine-loving creatures which those 
who have some pre-conceived opinion to uphold, or cherished theory to 
sustain, are wont to argue. Though many of their actions are purely 
instinctive or mechanical, yet evidence is not wanting to show that they 
are gifted Avith a faculty similar in character to that possessed by man, 
but differing in degree. A thousand circumstances justify the belief that 
they often reason a priori from cause to consequences, providently man- 
aging Avith a constant aim for future comfort, convenience and necessity. 
Instinct is apA^ays the same thing, never advancing, never retrograding. 
Reason tends to improvement, ahvays seeking a higher plane of existence. 
To say that changes in nest-building imply a change of instinct, is to 
perplex the understanding by a perversion of language ; but to ascribe 
them to the operations of reason, influenced by motives, seems to be the 
most rational vicAV to take of the matter. 
The nest being completed, AAdiich is usually the case in about five 
days from the time of starting, a brief season elapses before any eggs are 
laid. In the Northern States this happens about the third week of May, 
and then only one is deposited each day, for four or five days. The 
