102 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
now unbounded. Tliey strike their harps afresh, and music, it seems, 
ten-fold more ravishing, is discoursed. The effect is charming. The 
gentle beings feel the notes pulsing through their rapt frames, and, all- 
unconscious, yield themselves willing subjects to their proud conquerors. 
Thus it is that mating is accomplished. A few days spent in aimless 
wanderings and pleasure-seeking, and the happy pair are prepared to build 
themselves a home. For this purpose they visit in company some wild 
pasture-land or thinly-wooded tract, where, after a day or two occupied in 
prospecting, they decide iqoon some kind of bush or low tree in which to 
place it. The birds do not seem to be very particular as to the kind. 
In some localities, a wild rose-bush is preferred. In others, low barberry 
bushes, or the lower limbs of post-oaks, are rendered subservient. 
The site, and the kind of bush or tree being chosen, the birds com- 
mence to build. The nest is non-j^ensile, and is fixed either in a forked 
branch, or is supported, as is the case when placed in a wild rose, by two 
or more branches. The elevation above the ground is usually from four 
to seven feet. No case has come to our knowledge where the latter 
height has been exceeded. The period of nesting varies according to 
locality. In Georgia nests have been found with eggs as early as the 
second of May, which would make it appear that they were constructed 
towards the close of the preceding month. In one instance, eggs were 
found as late as the tenth of June. It is probable that the birds com- 
mence labor about the first of May, in this section of the country, and 
sitting, a fortnight later. In New Jersey this essential business is delayed 
until the middle of this month, while in Massachusetts, it is not underta- 
ken before the first week of June. 
Having built their domicile, which is usually the work of a week, 
both birds laboring with praiseworthy diligence, and only intermitting 
operations when pressed by bad weather and the approach of night, the 
female commences to deposit her eggs. These are laid on consecutive 
days, at the rate of one a day. The time devoted to ovi] 30 sition lasts from 
