I 1 2 WOOD NOTES AND NEST HUNTING. 



wise designing of the propagation of birds is seen in 

 this delicate structure ! If their manner of breed- 

 ing was like that of mammals how soon would the 

 feathered tribe become extinct! These mature 

 ova are deposited in nests " that serve as external 

 organs, indispensable to the development of the 

 immature young." Lightness of body must be 

 looked after, that they may be enabled to fly 

 through the air, or move among the branches or on 

 the ground with that quick, alert motion, so char- 

 acteristic of these creatures, and so necessary for 

 them to capture their prey. 



The female is dressed in a much plainer suit of 

 brown. Two white stripes, one above and one 

 below the eye, are all she can boast of as head 

 ornamentation, with some sprinkling of saffron 

 about the wings. She is a wise-appearing bird, 

 and does not wear her heart upon her sleeve like 

 her unwary husband. 



It would be interesting to know the circum- 

 stances under which Linnaeus classified our rose- 

 breasted groosbeak, and gave him the name by 

 which he should be known thereafter to all the 

 nations of the world. The generic Zamelodia 

 singifies singing melody which is very appropriate ; 

 and the specific " Ludovieiana" Louisiana, or re- 



