226 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
moist by long-continued rains, they often become precipitated to the bottom 
of the chimney solely by the weight of their own contents. In such 
emergencies the young cling with considerable tenacity to the chimney- 
side hy means of bill and claw. In configuration the nest resembles 
a neat, semi-circular basket, and measures about thi’ee and a half inches 
in diameter, one and a half in width, and about one in depth. Some are 
found to exceed the above dimensions, and others to fall considerably short 
of them. Building operations are ordinarily entered into during the early 
morning hours while the air is cool, the birds then working with praise- 
worthy diligence, hut seldom during the hot, summer noontide. All the 
time the work is going on the builders are the happiest of creatures, and 
judging from the continual chatter which they make, there is never an 
angry word spoken, nor a quarrel indulged in with each other, or with 
any of their near neighbors who occujjy the same chimney. Their lives 
seem to be as gay and felicitous as the days are long. 
A few days elapse after the completion of the fabric, not usually more 
than two, in which mutual congratulations are passed. Then comes the 
drama in which the female is the principal actor — namely, the laying of 
the eggs. This requires four days, in ordinary instances, one egg being 
deposited daily. Incubation then succeeds, and lasts for eleven days* 
Here the female displays her true motheidy instinct. She enters the nest, 
and Avith unwearied perseverance continues thereon, save during brief 
intervals of absence in quest of food, until she has achieved her heart’s 
desire. The male is said to relieve her, but if such is the case, we have 
never been a witness of the fact. But while keeping aloof from such 
fatiguing duty, he is -nevertheless a very faithful and devoted father when 
the yonng have quit their narrow prison-houses and welcomed the light 
of a new life. He is now as solicitous for their safety and well-being as 
the mother, and in case of molestation, unites his cries with hers to 
frighten away the intruder, or to cause him to desist from any assault he 
may have in contemplation. When twelve days old the little Swifts are 
able to climb to the summit of the chimney and receive their food. This 
