The Building of the Nest 89 



of an out-building. A feather, or a bit of 

 thread, or a small rag will be carried in by- 

 one bird and tossed out by the other with a 

 deal of scolding and loud words" that is 

 positively startling. But when the frame- 

 work of any ordinary open or cup-shaped 

 nest is finally completed, the lining is not so 

 difficult a matter. Soft or yielding materials 

 are used that to a greater or less extent have 

 a felting property," and by the bird's weight 

 alone assume the shape desired. This is 

 facilitated by the bird in two ways : the 

 builder sits down, as if the eggs were already 

 laid, and with its beak pushes the loose ma- 

 terial between it and the framework, and 

 tucks odd bits into any too open crevices. 

 While doing this, it slowly moves around 

 until it has described a complete circle. This 

 brings to light any defefls in the outer struc- 

 ture, and the bird can often be seen tugging 

 away at some projefting end, or its mate, out- 

 side of the nest, rearranging a twig here and 

 there, while the other bird — shall I say ? — 

 is giving dire6lions. 



Surprise has often been expressed that the 

 common chipping sparrow can so neatly 

 curl a long horse-hair into the lining of its 



8* 



