8 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
position becomes the controlling instinct. The female now jiroceeds to 
deposit her complement of fonr eggs, which she does on consecutive days, 
at the rate of a single egg daily. This is followed, on the day suc- 
ceeding the last deposit, hy the trying duty of incuhation. Upon the 
female devolves this arduous and irksome labor. For about eleven days 
she is thus engaged, until her patience is finally crowned with success. 
Although the niale takes no jrart in this duty, yet he contributes his 
share to the prosperity of the undertaking, hy guarding his partner from 
danger, and sup|)lying her with the essential articles of food. When his 
home is assailed hy feathered enemies, if they are not more than a match 
for his strength, he is not slow to wreak instant vengeance upon them. 
But in the ease of human depredators, where effort would he futile, no 
exertion is put forth to cause desistance from any contemplated assault, 
save a little scolding. 
The eggs are four in number, and resemble in configuration those of 
the common Phcebe-Bird. They are obtuse at one extremity, and slightly 
tapering at the other. The ground is a rich cream-color, and is diversi- 
fied about the larger end with a wreath of purple and lilac spots, which 
are large, and occasionally confluent. In length, they measure .76 of an 
inch, and in width .54. It is pretty well established that hut a single 
set is deposited hy any given pair ‘of birds in a season. Nests with 
eggs, however, have been taken during the last of July, or the beginning 
of August ; hut whether a second laying or not, we cannot say — 
the work of birds Avhose early efforts had been frustrated. 
