8 bikd's-nesting. 



particularly in a subsequent chapter) affords an illus- 

 tration. 



One must acquaint himself with the general habits 

 of all the birds, therefore, if he expects to succeed 

 as an oologist, and in this very necessity — it is well 

 to point out again — lies the value and benefit of the 

 special study at present under consideration. "In 

 the nest the whole life of the bird centres, and hence 

 to write fully of the rest and eggs and nesting habits, 

 is to write very fully and adequately of the birds 

 themselves and of their characters, as these are shown 

 in the choice of places for building, in the structure 

 and surroundings of the nests, in the guardianship 

 of the young, and in the foraging methods adopted 

 by the several species." 



A very important requisite for domestic peace 

 and happiness is security from enemies. This the 

 small birds find most surely near man, and they 

 therefore forsake the depth of the woods and resort 

 to the hedges and groves ; to the pasture-lot with 

 its pleasant brook, and thickets of brambles and 

 second-growth saplings ; to the roadside and orchard ; 

 even to the garden, the farm, or the tree-box pre- 

 pared for their welcome. Those species that must 

 be sought for in the deep woods and remote valleys 

 are such as are well protected from danger by nesting 

 in holes in trees, or other well concealed positions, 



