OF NEW ENGLAND. 253 
(6). The nest is one of the most interesting specimens of 
bird-architecture to be found in New England. It is pensile, 
being from five to eight inches deep, and is generally fastened 
(near the end) to the bough of an elm or orchard-tree, where, 
often beyond the direct reach of all enemies, it swings with the 
slightest breeze, though secure from destruction by the most 
violent gale. It consists of plant-fibres, dry grasses, and 
such materials as may be accidentally obtained, such as thread, 
string, yarn, wool, and bits of cloth, all of which are firmly 
interwoven. Though its structure and shape exhibit much 
variation, yet it is usually enlarged near the bottom, and 
warmly lined, most often with bairs. It is frequently built be- 
Fig. 13. Baltimore Oriole (#). 
neath a canopy of leaves, so as to be sheltered from the rays 
of the sun. In Massachusetts, it is generally finished in the 
last week of May, or about the first of June. Dr. Abbott 
believes it to be built, when in exposed situations, so as to 
conceal the sitting bird, especially from hawks, but otherwise 
to be more open at the top. 
The eggs of each set are four, five, or sometimes six, average 
*90 X °60 of an inch, and are white, feebly tinged with an in- 
definite color, or bluish, and are marked (but not thickly) with 
lines, scrawls, and spots, of brown, black, and often faint lilac. 
(c). The male Golden ‘‘ Robins” are among the few brilliant 
