Birds' Nests and Eggs 



said to be arranged in tiers, with tlie smaller ends pointing towards 

 the centre. It is curious to note that if the female bob-white is 

 killed after the eggs are laid, the male bird takes upon himself the 

 entire duty of incubating. This may not be ah invariable rule, but 

 a number of instances have been reported by reliable observers. 

 Robins will sometimes build their nests in buildings or bridges 

 with no vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the nest, and 

 mocking-birds have chosen fence rails and other such queer places 

 for their building sites. 



In parts of the old world and in South America will be found 

 birds that build extraordinary nests and have curious habits. The 

 male hornbills have a remarkable custom of incarcerating the female 

 in a hole in a tree during the period of incubation, by sealing up 

 the entrance with mud, leaving a small opening through which 

 she is supplied with food. Should the male be killed it is a ques- 

 tion whether or not the female could free herself. This habit is 

 doubtless a method of protection. 



The nest of the tailor-bird is a good example of the skill dis- 

 played by birds in building and concealing their homes. They 

 sew the edges of a large growing leaf round the nest, so that it is 

 absolutely hidden from view. The bower-^birds use queer ma- 

 terials, such as bones, pieces of metal, shells, etc., but perhaps the 

 greatest curiosity supplied by birds is the -nest of the esculent 

 swift, known commonly as the edible bird's-nest, so much appre- 

 ciated by the Chinese as a table luxury. 



These are but a few examples of the endless variety to be 

 found in bird architecture. It is a subject a full treatment of which 

 would fill many volumes, and it is a study offering unusual attrac- 

 tions to all who want to do "original work " in nature subjects. 



IS 



