244 HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



slid in and out of its nest as cautiously as if it were aware of the 

 value set on the fruit, and determined not to injure it. 



On the left hand of the Baltimore Oriole's nest is represented 

 a very curious structure swaying in the wind, long, purse-like, 

 and having the entrance near the top. This is the nest of the 

 Crested Cassique, or Crested Oriole (Cacicus cristatiis), and 

 the bird itself is seen clinging to the lower part of the nest. 



There are several species of Cassiques, all of which are natives 

 of tropical America, and huild nests of a similar structure. The 

 Crested Cassique is the largest of the genus, equalling the common 

 jackdaw in size, and its nest is larger and more striking than that 

 of any other species. It loves the tallest trees, and may he seen 

 actively traversing the branches in search of food, pecking here 

 and there in haste as it trips along, or passing from one tree to 

 another with a rapid darting flight, snapping at insects as it 

 dashes through the air. like the preceding species, it is fond 

 of human society, and builds its pensile nest close to the 

 habitation of man, so that its customs can be easily watched. 



Tlie bird is a handsome creature, the greater part of the body 

 being rich chocolate, the wings dark green, and the outer tail- 

 feathers bright yellow, this colour being displayed conspicuously 

 as the bird flies, particularly when it makes a sharp turn in the 

 air and is obliged to spread its tail-feathers rapidly. The beak 

 of this species is very remarkable, being of a green colour, and 

 extending far up the forehead- The head is adorned with a long 

 pointed crest, from which its popular name of Crested Oriole is 

 derived. In some favoured spots these birds are quite plentiful, 

 producing a beautiful effect, as the variegated plumage gleams 

 among the foliage, while the bird is engaged in its active quest 

 after food. 



The nest of the Crested Cassique is of great length and, as may 

 be seen by the illustration, has the entrance like that of a pocket. 

 The opening is rather small when compared with the size of the 

 nest itself, and the bird always dives head foremost into its home, 

 its yellow tail flashing a last golden gleam before it disappears. 

 The nest is strongly built, and the materials are rather coarse, 

 not in the least resembling the delicate and neatly rounded fibres 

 of which many of the weaver nests are made. These nests often 

 exceed a yard in length, and owing to their great size, are veiy 



