BIRDS OF THE UNITED STAIRS. 
185 
and victory decided in liis favor. The Flycatchers, however, did not retire 
until they had thrown out the nesting-materials, a portion of which they 
afterwards carried away to use elsewhere. After the defeat the Bluebird 
selected a partner from his allies, and the unfortunate female gracefully 
retired. The proprietor, perceiving a strong predilection upon the part of 
the Blnehirds for the can, determined to annoy them awhile, and fastened 
a lath across the entrance, and watched the result. The birds set to work, 
and the piece was dislodged. They built their nest, deposited their eggs, 
and raised their broods, which they fed upon two species of turnip butterfly, 
and the wingless bodies of Spilosorna, a moth destructive to the gi’ape. 
Into their domicile the birds convey a good deal of grass, which they 
cover with a soft layer of hair, feathers and wool. While the male assists 
at this labor, the arrangement of details involved in the preparation of 
the furniture, falls to the lot of his partner. While she is thus busy, he 
relieves the tedium of the task by a song, and a few caresses. In the 
Northern States the nest is finished and the first eggs deposited by the 
10th of April ; in the South much earlier. Why the Bluebird selects cavi- 
ties as nesting places, does not readily appear. Being an early breeder, 
such situations best secure warmth and shelter for the young. In primitive 
times hollow trees were doubtless occupied more generally than at present 
by all birds, just as now they are constantly used as hospitia by our 
winter residents during disagreeable weather. The Bluebird learned to 
build in cavities by first using such places for shelter during cold, vernal 
storms, and perceiving their comfort, has come to regard them as appro- 
priate quarters for nesting. Thus what was merely accidental to their 
ancestors, has now become intuitive and habitual to the race. Protection 
against rapacious birds is also secured, which would not be gained if the 
bright plumage of the female were exposed in an open nest. 
As no dampness is to be dried, laying follows closely upon the com- 
pletion of the nest, and continues for a period of five days, one egg being- 
laid daily. They are usually of a sky-blue color, spotless, and have an 
actual measurement of .82 by .61 inches. Mr. Ingersoll once found in 
