Introductory Chapter. 



weavers. The humming-bird, for instance, consolidates her 

 little house with the gum of trees. The American starling sews 

 the leaves together with her bill ; other birds use not only their 

 bills, but their feet. Having woven a cord, they fix it as a web 

 with their feet, and insert the weft, as the weaver would throw 

 his shuttle, with their bill. These are genuine weavers. In 

 fine, their skill never fails them. The truth is, that the great 

 Creator never gives any creature work to do without giving 

 him at the same time an inclination to do it — which, in the animal, 

 is instinct— and tools sufficient for the work, though they may be 

 only the delicate feet and bill of the bird. 



And now, in conclusion, let me describe to you the nest of the 

 little English long-tailed titmouse as I saw it many years ago, 

 and which I give from " Sketches of Natural History " : — 



There, where those boughs of blackthorn cross, 



Behold that oval ball of moss ; 



Observe it near, all knit together, 



Moss, willow-down, and many a feather, 



And filled within, as you may see. 



As full of feathers as can be ; 



Whence it is called by country folk, 



A fitting name, the feather-poke ; 



But learned people, I have heard, 



Fants caudahis call the bird. 



Yes, here's a nest ! a nest indeed, 



That doth all other nests exceed, 



Propped with the blackthorn twigs beneath. 



And festooned with a woodbine wreath ! 



Look at it close, all knit together, 



Moss, willow-down, and many a feather ; 



So soft, so light, so wrought with grace. 



So suited to this green-wood place, 



