THE BALTIMOEE OEIOLE 



The nest of nests, the ideal nest, is unques- 

 tionably that of the Baltimore oriole. It is the 

 only perfectly pensile nest we have. The nest of 

 the orchard oriole is indeed mainly so, but this 

 bird generally builds lower and shallower, more 

 after the manner of the vireos. 



The Baltimore oriole loves to attach its nest to 

 the swaying branches of the tallest elms, making 

 no attempt at concealment, but satisfied if the 

 position be high and the branch pendent. This 

 nest would seem to cost more time and skill 

 than any other bird structure. A peculiar flax-like 

 material seems to be always sought after and 

 always found. The nest when completed assumes 

 the form of a large, suspended gourd. The walls 

 are thin but firm, and proof against the most 

 driving rain. The mouth is hemmed or over- 

 handed with strings or horsehair, and the sides 

 are usually sewed through and through with the 

 same. 



Not particular as to the matter of secrecy, the 

 bird is not particular as to material, so that it 

 be of the nature of strings or threads. A lady 

 friend once told me that, while she was working 



