DWELLINGS. 1 87 



works have been well described by Baldamus, lives in 

 the marshes in the midst of reeds and willows in 

 Poland, Galicia, and Hungary. Its nest, which 

 resembles none met in our own country, is always 

 suspended above the water, two or three metres above 

 the surface, fixed to a willow branch.'' All individuals 

 do not exhibit the same skill in fabricating their 

 dwelling ; some are more careful and clever than 

 others who are less experienced. Some also are 

 obliged by circumstances to hasten their work. It 

 frequently happens that Magpies spoil or even 

 altogether destroy with blows of their beaks one of 

 these pretty nests. The unfortunate couple are 

 obliged to recommence their task, and if this accident 

 happens two or three times to the same household, it 

 can easily be imagined that, discouraged and depressed 

 by the advancing season, they hasten to build a shelter 

 anyhow, only doing what is indispensable, and neglect- 

 ing perfection. However this may be, the nests 

 which are properly finished have the form of a 

 purse, twenty centimetres high and twelve broad. 

 (Fig. 27.) At the side an opening, prolonged by a 

 passage which is generally horizontal, gives access to 

 the interior. Sometimes another opening is found 

 without any passage. Every nest in the course of 

 construction possessed this second entry, but it is 

 usually filled up when the work is completed. When 

 the bird has resolved to establish its retreat, it first 

 chooses a hanging branch presenting bifurcations 

 which can be utilised as a rigid frame on which to 

 weave the lateral walls of the habitation. It inter- 

 crosses wool and goat's hair so as to form two courses 

 which are afterwards united to each other below, and 

 » Baldamus, Beitidge zur Oologie und Nidologie, 1S53, pp. 419-445. 



