BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 
179 
Almost the whole genus of orioles belong to Amerioi, 
^>id, with a few exceptions, build pensile nests. Few 
If them, however, equal the Baltimore in the construc- 
hon of these receptacles for their young, and in giving 
them, in such a superior degree, convenience, warmth, 
*nd security. For these purposes he generally fixes on 
the hin-h bending extremitic.s of the branches, fastening 
Strono''’strings of hemp or flax round two forked twigs, 
toiTespondiug to the intended width of the nest ; with 
the same materials, mixed with quantities of loose tOAV% 
he interweaves or fabricates a strong firm kind of cloth, 
*iot unlike the substance of a hat in its raw state, form- 
it into a pouch of six or seven inches in depth, 
I'uing it substantially with various soft substances, well 
woven with the outward netting, and, lastly, tinishes 
'vith a layer of horse hair ; the whole being shaded 
•rom the sun and rain by a natural pent-house, or canopy 
«f leaves. As to a hole being left in the side for the 
young to be fed and void their excrements through, as 
^enuaut and others relate, it is certainly an error : 1 
have never met with any thing of the kind in the nest 
of the Baltimore. 
Though birds of the same species have, generally 
H'eakiug, a common form of building, yet, r.outrary to 
Ihe usually received opinion, they do not build exactly 
jo the same raannci'. As much difference will be found 
hi the style, neatness, and finishing of the nests of the 
®altimores, as in their voices. Some appear for siipe- 
fior workmen to otliers : and probably age may improve 
*hem in this, as it does in tlieir colours. I have a 
Oiunber of their nests now before me, all completed, 
^Rd with eo’crs One of these, the neatest, is ill the form 
Rf a cylinder of five inches diameter, and seven inches 
h> depth rounded at bottom. The opening at top is 
"arrowed, by a horizontal covering, to two imdies and 
a half in diameter. The materials are flax, hemp, tow, 
'■"ir, and wool, woven into a complete cloth ; the whole 
hghtly sewed’ through and through with long horse 
^'airs, several of which measure two feet in length, 
"^he bottom is composed of thick tuffs of cow hair. 
