A CLEVER BUILDER. 265 



cessary caution, since the Papuans take great 

 care never to disturb these nests or bowers, 

 even if they are in their way. The birds had 

 evidently enjoyed the greatest quiet until we 

 happened, unfortunately for them, to come near 

 them. I had now full employment in the pre- 

 paration of my treasure. ... I took colors and 

 brushes, and went to the spot, and made the 

 sketch which I now publish. When I was there 

 neither host nor hostess was at home. ... I 

 could not ascertain whether this bower was oc- 

 cupied by one pair or more, whether the male 

 alone is the builder, or whether the wife as- 

 sists. I believe, however, that the nest lasts 

 several seasons." 



The pleasing description of the house and 

 lawn, with its many decorations, has been 

 widely copied. " Being mostly near the en- 

 trance," says the grave scientist in conclusion, 

 surprised into sentiment, " it vrould appear that 

 the husband offers there the daily gift to the 

 wife, removing the objects to the back of the 

 hut as they fade or wither." It is clever not 

 only in building a house and lawn, but in imi- 

 tating the songs and cries of other birds, and 

 doing it so well, according to our author, that 

 it brought " his hunters to despair." 



So few Birds of Paradise have entered the 

 scientific world alive, and so little is known 



