BLACKBIRDS, NIGHTINGALES, ETC. 303 



element into the picture. It is that which makes me 

 extend the word "busy" to both the birds, for the 

 cock is as busy in escorting and observing the hen 

 as she is in collecting the materials for and building 

 the nest ; whilst that she loves him and is cheered 

 by his society, his presence making "the labour she 

 delights in " still more a joy, is also apparent. These 

 are sweet and lovely things to see, and the joy 

 of them is the greater that the emotions concerned 

 are so direct and simple, without those windings and 

 ambiguities, those side - issues and counter - currents 

 which, with us, lead direct to grey hairs, and novels 

 not by Scott or Jane Austen. Here are no trouble- 

 some entanglements, no tiresome perplexities, no con- 

 scientious sacrificings of the best beloved to every 

 other possible person and consideration. All is sweet 

 simplicity and giving up to — not giving up. These 

 blackbirds love each other and carry it through. 

 They do not think of twenty other blackbirds and 

 fail or come in draggle-tail at the end — as in the 

 novels. Nor are they bothered with "questions." 

 It is refreshing — most refreshing — to see them — like a 

 sparkle of Gilbert after some very " serious " dulness. 



Roughly speaking, there are three stages in the 

 building of a blackbird's nest. The first or founda- 

 tion stage consists of moss, sticks, and leaves ; the 

 second is the mud stage ; and the third, that of dry 

 grass and fibre, with which the interior is finally lined. 

 The nest of the blackbird differs, in this respect; from 

 that of the thrush. The latter bird, as is well known, 

 lays its eggs in a smooth plastered cup formed, not 

 of mud, as one would think, but of rotten wood and 

 cow-dung. The blackbird, after having collected all 



