Birds' Nests 



to the suitability of this or that sort of timber 

 or furniture for their dwellings, and observa- 

 tions upon it thus increase our acquaintance 

 with the scope of ideas and habits characteristic 

 of each species of bird. ' ' 



A nest is ordinarily in perfect condition only 

 for a few days after its completion. The incu- 

 bation of the mother bird, the pressure of the 

 chicks, as they develop, and the weight of the 

 old birds perching on the edge, all tend to 

 flatten and otherwise distort its original and 

 ideal shape, especially in the more delicate 

 sorts. Yet, oftentimes, it is not thus impaired 

 to an appreciable extent ; and, in case it is, 

 a slow and careful inward pressure of the 

 upper part will usually restore it almost to 

 its normal form. But, if not taken before it 

 is abandoned by the birds, it should be se- 

 cured as quickly as possible thereafter; since, 

 from exposure to the weather, it soon begins 

 to disintegrate. Nor is the study of the nest of 

 any species complete when a single specimen 

 has been obtained, and its characteristics have 

 been learned; for even the same species will 

 sometimes show curious differences ; as, for ex- 

 ample — to mention two of the most familiar in- 

 stances — the barn swallow, with its two distinct 



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