Lancaster, Mass.
1902.
June 10
(No 7)
but, on the contrary, rested so lightly on its surface
that I passed my forefinger directly under the bottom
of the nest without using much force or disarranging the
structure at all seriously. Nor was it interwoven with
the stems of the surrounding grasses although the pressed
closely about and evidently supported it on every side.
Before disturbing it in any way I took the following
measurements:-
Greatest external diameter across top (ie length) 4.70 inches
Least external diameter across top (ie width) 3.20 inches
Total height from top to base (ie the ground) 3.30 inches
Depth of egg cup (or interior cavity) 2.10 inches
Diameter of egg cup across top 2.20 inches
  As these measurements indicate the nest externally was
decidedly longer than it was wide but the inner cavity
or egg cup was perfectly symmetrical and beautifully
rounded. The entire nest was composed exclusively
of dry, light brown or brownish white grasses. Most 
of those which formed the outer walls being coarse and
flattened and apparently of the same kind as those which
grew immediately about the nest while those used for
the lining were delicate rounded strands no thicker than
horse-hairs and evidently elsewhere than on the
bank where the nest was placed.
Nest of Henslow's Sparrow.
  I have just stated that this nest was not sheltered
by any artificial hood or canopy but in addition to the
grass blades which rose around and above it two or three
leafy sprays of cinque-foil and trailing blackberry extended
out just over it from different sides. Nevertheless it would
be no misrepresentation of the facts to say that in comparison
with the nests of most birds which build on the ground
18