THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
339 
Here, again, proud man may learn of the thrush. 
How many build their habitations for outward show, 
with but little regard to inward comforts or conve- 
nience ! but this bird is mindful of both. 
The common wren is ranked among the dome 
builders. On the wall, tree, or turf, which it selects, 
she makes an outline of her future habitation, by 
gluing with her saliva small particles of moss ; to the 
support of these she joins others, until she has con- 
structed a hemispherical cavity, about twenty times 
the size of the architect. A small oval hole in the 
side forms the entrance, and the interior is lined with 
hair, feathers, down, or moss, of the softest and most 
delicate texture. The dome above is nicely arched, 
and altogether forms a warm, commodious, and com- 
fortable habitation for the numerous inmates ex- 
pected to occupy it. The nest of this little bird, so 
large, in proportion to its size, proves the goodness 
of the Almighty, who endows this little creature with 
instinct to foresee that she will require a roomy 
domicile to receive her numerous progeny. 
Our familiar sprightly robin is styled a ground- 
builder. This social bird, which visits us in the 
winter, to partake of our good cheer, chooses the 
most secluded spot to construct its nest, generally 
