244 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER 
are only seen as lifeless and robbed of half their 
brilliancy. More than five hundred varieties 
have been brought together in the Smithsonian 
Institution, and, though but the ‘ counterfeit 
presentment’ of the living reality, they form a 
peerless group of Nature’s exquisite handiwork. 
What a picture to entrance the eyes if we could 
see all these gems of the air sporting and flash¬ 
ing with their native sprightliness! 
“ To the birds must be given, also, the palm 
for mechanical ingenuity. They can sew, weave, 
braid, felt, glue, and plaster, and in equal variety 
of forms adapt their architecture to the require¬ 
ments of climate and circumstances; for in the 
same species the widest variations are found to 
occur as new adjustments are demanded. Few 
objects are more interesting to the lover of the 
curious than a fine collection of birds’ nests. 
Once thoroughly examined, it will be admitted'^ 
without dispute that they compare very favor¬ 
ably with the elaborate work of human hands; 
indeed, in some instances they surpass the skill 
of man. The marks of special design are every¬ 
where apparent, and the purpose has been most 
skilfully worked out, though the little workers 
