244 
N£STS AND EGGS OF 
This bird was taught to keep time with the lateral movements of the index 
finger, and to increase and decrease the volume of sound with the eleva- 
tion and depression of the same. In a state of repose a simple twe, uttered 
softly and slowly at measured intervals, is its only note. While pillaging 
the garden these birds give expression to sounds which Nuttall has likened 
to ’mdy-be, 'may-he. In their quarrels, which commonly occur when small 
parties are on the wing, there is heard one loud, confused medley of dis- 
cordant chirpings, which seems, as a recent writer once remarked, as 
though some were pleading for peace, while the others were clamorous for 
the fray. 
About the fifteenth of June, sometimes as early as the middle of the 
preceding month, the birds settle down to the business which has brought 
them together. Some time is spent in the selection of a suitable tree, and 
in fixing upon a position. One tree after another is visited, before one is 
found which combines the requisites of shelter, security and convenience. 
When the birds make up their minds to build in an orchard, a pear-tree 
is usually their choice. In other situations a seeming jDreference is mani- 
fested for the maple and willow. Perhaps, any tree where numerous 
small branches radiate, nearly in the same circle, from a common stem, 
will be found to be available. The height of the nest above the ground 
is usually about fifteen feet. Occasionally, greater elevations are taken. 
Sometimes a horizontal branch with divergent twigs is chosen, instead of 
one that is nearly vertical. 
Than the nest of the Thistle Bird, as this species is sometimes called, 
no more beautiful structure of the basket in form and the felted in tex- 
ture is known to exist. In shape it is symmetrical, delicately and neatly 
woven, and skilfully and securely fastened to the forked twigs between 
which it is placed. In beauty of design, and elegance of finish, it is a 
perfect model of architectural skill. A structure before us from Philadel- 
phia may be considered as typical. It is placed in a crotch, and held in 
bitu by four small nearly upright branches, which are partially wrought 
into the fabric. The outside is composed of the tassels of the common 
