BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
263 
While most of the nests we have examined correspond in the main 
with the above description, we have occasionally met with some which 
constituted a noteworthy exception. These structures bear a close resem- 
blance to those of the Maryland Yellow-throat in configuration, being nearly 
oven-shaped. In these cases the openings were large, about two inches in 
diameter, and occupied the anterior aspect. The materials of composition 
differed but little, on the outside, from those which are generally found 
in the typical nest, but, within, they consisted of fine grasses and silk-like 
threads of vegetable origin. This nest was placed on the ground. 
The most beautiful nest which we have ever seen was obtained in the 
summer of 1878, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, by Isaac Reiff, Esq. It 
was placed upon a willow branch, at the height of about fifteen feet 
from the ground, and was newly built. In shape it was nearly globular, 
four and a half by five inches in the two diameters, and was woven of the 
broad leaves of a species of scirpus, closely and evenly, and had the inter- 
stices seamed with brownish down. The opening was hung with a thin, 
delicate curtain of gauze, of the same material, which was continued within, 
forming a thick bedding of the softest texture, of which the most volup- 
tuous sybarite might envy its fortunate possessor. In shape and composi- 
tion the nests which are found on bushes, bear a striking resemblance to 
the one just described, but usually lack its neat and elegant finish. 
The number of structures that may sometimes be seen in a small 
stretch of marshy ground, within a few paces of each other, is so astound- 
ing, and apparently so disproportionate to the size of the community 
inhabiting it, as to lead to the suspicion that more nests are constructed 
than are really needed, the idea being that the nervous, energetic males 
keep up building operations while the females are incubating, as a sort of 
pastime, or because they have nothing else to do, and must have some 
employment for their excessive animal spirits. However this may be, the 
old nests remain intact a year or so before they crumble to pieces, which 
doubtless will, in a measure, account for the large numbers that are often 
to be seen. 
