Birds' Nests 



above the ground, and show conspicuous skill 

 and ingenuity. This broad distinction between 

 the nests of the two groups is commonly, and, 

 as I imagine, erroneously, accepted as significant 

 of their relative intelligence. 



The numerous dangers to which land birds 

 are exposed make successful nidification a rath- 

 er difficult art. And perhaps nowhere else in 

 nature shall we find a better illustration of the 

 trite proverb that necessity is the mother of in- 

 vention. Some of these dangers are obviously 

 avoided by building above the ground, and in 

 the seclusion of foliage. But, at best, the fork- 

 ing branches of a bush or tree are a rather 

 perilous support for such frail tenements ; and, 

 exposed besides to wind and rain, such a loca- 

 tion is doubly treacherous. The nest must 

 therefore be both firmly knit together, and 

 bound sufficiently strongly to its foundation. 

 But, although these precautions afford ample 

 security against the elements, they are no safe- 

 guard against the watchful eyes of numerous 

 foes that would find a delectable morsel in the 

 eggs or the young. This danger prompts the 

 selection, not only of neutral colors throughout, 

 but also, sometimes, of such delicate material 

 as moss and lichens for the exterior, to make it 



'4S 



