308 



FIELD, FOREST AND FARM 



sexes hasten up to console the unfortunates and to 

 lend their aid in rebuilding. All apply themselves 

 to the task, fetching mortar of the first quality, and 

 straws and feathers, with such ardor and enthusiasm 

 that in two days the nest is completely rebuilt. Left 

 to their own unaided efforts, the afflicted pair would 

 have needed a fortnight to repair the disaster. 



"The golden oriole is one of the most beautiful 

 birds of our clime. About as large as the blackbird, 



it has plumage of a 

 superb yellow, except 

 the wings, which are 

 black. In building its 

 nest it selects, in some 

 tall tree, a long and 

 flexible bough with a 

 fork at the end. Be- 

 tween the two branches 

 of this fork a ham- 

 mock is woven for receiving the nest. Strands 

 of fine bark that has become shredded by long ex- 

 posure to wind and weather are used for this work 

 of art. These strands or cords pass from one side 

 of the fork to the other, enlacing them, crossing and 

 recrossing, and thus forming a sort of pocket, firmly 

 fixed and securely hung. 



"Broad blades of grass consolidate the structure. 

 Then in this hammock a mattress of the finest straw 

 and having the form of an oval cup is put together. 

 The completed work bears some resemblance to those 



European Oriole 



