66 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
A typical nest is hemisjjlierical, neatly but loosely built, and possesses 
a cavity very symmetrical in contour. It is usually composed on the out- 
side, excejjt in rare cases, of fine rootlets, and is lined with black and 
white horse-hairs. In a beautiful domicile before us very few roots are 
noticeable, the bulk of the fabric being composed of horse-hairs, densely 
and compactly interwoven, and covered exteriorly with a few fine twigs 
and lint. Other nests before us are built entirely of fine rootlets. When 
such structures are found in bushes, and are well secured and protected by 
enveloping leaves and twigs, a curious anomaly often presents itself. A case 
of the kind came under our observation in August, 1876. Since that time 
others have been met with. It is where the nest, instead of occupying a 
nearly horizontal position, which is the natural one, is placed at an angle 
of inclination, and hears in the sujserior third a circular opening. What 
the object of this aj^erture can be, it is impossible to say, as the bird 
could never be surprised while on the nest. Possibly it was designed for 
the accommodation of the head of the owner while the process of incuba- 
tion Avas going on ; or, it may have been intended as a mode of ingress 
and egress, which opinion the position of the nest and its surroundings 
would seem to Avarrant. 
One of the most curious and exceptional nests which Ave have ever 
seen, Avas obtained in the summer of 1870, in Northumberland Co., Pa. 
This nest was built upon a small bush, at an elevation of tA\m feet above 
the ground. Externally, it is composed of dried plants, of an herbaceous 
character, Avith seed vessels intact. Internally, there is a slight lining of 
white horse-hairs. The diameter, on the outside, measures nearly four 
inches, and the thickness three and a half inches. The diameter of the 
cavity is three inches, and the depth nearly two. It is a magnificent 
structure, closely and com]Aactly woven, and exactly hemisjDherical. 
The drawing represents the usual style of nest. The position upon a 
branch of the red-cedar is one that is frequently chosen. The outside is 
mainly composed of fine roots of a reddish-hrown color, and the inside of 
an equal mixture of white and black horse-hairs. The dimensions are as 
