NEST BUILDING. 
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commences, like the Weaver-birds, by weaving and 
plaiting the ground-work of the nest out of soft leaves 
and bast; this is, however, interspersed with small pieces 
of moss and the down of the bull-rush, willow, poplar, 
and thistle, together with many other different materials 
difficult to define; all this is so exquisitely woven, felted, 
and plaited together, as to defy anyone to make out 
what material is used in the main construction of the 
work, or what is accessory ! The whole nest resembles a 
felted bag, furnished with an entrance-tube on one 
side, and is suspended from the extremity of a very 
elastic bough. 
The Penduline Titmouse belongs to those birds which 
construct special nests in which to roost. These domiciles 
are much looser in construction than the breeding nest, 
- and greatly resemble hammocks; the general fabric 
reminds us, however, unmistakably of the first. Inasmuch, 
however, as they are only used as dormitories for old 
birds, which do not stand in such need of shelter, they 
have no occasion to be so carefully constructed. Our 
House Sparrow and Woodpecker do much the same; the 
former repair old nests for the purpose ; and the latter 
chip out some comfortable hole wherein to have a cosy 
sleep during the cold winter nights. 
Some birds build watch-houses, and also bowers, in 
which to hold their revels. The first-mentioned refuge is 
occupied by the male while the female is sitting; and in 
the latter terpsichorean entertainments are given. All the 
Weaver-birds are adepts in the art of building ; and it is 
not to be wondered at, that besides building their 
breeding-nest, they should occupy themselves with con¬ 
structing other abodes for the accommodation of the 
non-sitting male. At the same time it must appear to 
