264 THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
A very complete one is now lying before me, and 
the materials of which it is composed are as follow : 
— The outward coat is formed of small pieces of a 
species of bluish gray lichen, that vegetates on old 
trees and fences, thickly glued on with the saliva of 
the bird, giving firmness and consistency to the whole, 
as well as keeping out moisture. Within this are 
thick matted layers of the fine wings of certain flying 
seeds, closely laid together ; and, lastly, the downy 
substance from the great mullein, and from the stalks 
of the common fern, lines the whole. The base of 
the nest is continued round the stem of the branch, 
to which it closely adheres ; and, when viewed from 
below, appears a mere mossy knot, or accidental 
protuberance. The eggs are two, pure white, and 
of equal thickness at both ends. On a person's 
approaching their nest, the little proprietors dart 
around with a humming sound, passing frequently 
within a few inches of one's head ; and, should the 
young be newly hatched, the female will resume her 
place on the nest, even while you stand within a yard 
or two of the spot. The precise period of incubation 
I am unable to give ; but the young are in the habit, 
a short time before they leave the nest, of thrusting 
