The structure of the nests of birds affords, perhaps, one of the most
agreeable lessons in Natural History.
Among the most curious nests of our _English_ birds may be named
that of the _Wren_, the _long-tailed Titmouse_, the _Thrush_,
the _Goldfinch_, the _Chaffinch_, the _Magpie_, and the _House
Sparrow_; to these may also be added the _Swallow's_, the _Martin's_,
the _Wood Pigeon's_, and the _Wood-Pecker's_. Of the nests of _Rooks_,
it may be sufficient to observe, that they are often found to the number
of six, or even more in a cluster. _Crows'_ nests are always
solitary; they are similar in structure to those of the rook.
Among the nests of Foreign birds, that of the _Taylor Bird_
deserves especial mention; the bird itself is a diminutive one, being
little more than three inches long; it is an inhabitant of India. The
nest is sometimes constructed of two leaves, one of them dead; the
latter is fixed to the living one as it hangs upon the tree, by sewing
both together in the manner of a pouch or purse; it is open at the top,
and the cavity is filled with fine down; and, being suspended from the
branch, the birds are secure from the depredations of snakes and
monkeys, to which they might otherwise fall a prey.
In Dr. Latham's collection is a specimen of the taylor bird's nest,
composed of a single large leaf, of a fibrous rough, texture, about six
inches long independent of the stalk, five inches and a half in breadth,
and ending in a point. The sides of this leaf are drawn together so as
to meet within three-quarters of an inch; within is the nest, about four
inches deep and two broad, opening at the top; the bottom of the leaf
is drawn upwards, to assist in the support of it. The interior nest is
composed of white down, with here and there a feather and a small
portion of white down intermixed.
Another nest of this bird has also been described as composed of several
leaves, like those of some kind of hazel sewed together; the inner nest
formed of dry bents, fibres, and hairs, suspended from a tree. It is,
therefore, probable that this bird, as well as some others, varies the
structure of its nest as occasion and the materials may require. These
singular works are performed by the bird's using his bill instead of a
needle, and vegetable fibres for thread.
The _Rufous Bee-eater_, or _Merops Rufus_, constructs also a
very singular nest. This bird is a native of Buenos Ayres; the nest is
built generally on the naked great branch of a tree, sometimes on the
windows of houses, a fence, or a projecting beam of a high house or
other building; it is composed of earth, in the form of a baker's oven,
and is often built in the short space of two days, both birds being
engaged in its construction; it is six inches in diameter, and one
thick; a division is within, beginning at the entrance, and carried
circularly, so that the eggs are deposited in the inner chamber, on a
bed of grass. The swallow and other birds often attempt to obtain
possession of this nest, but are generally repulsed by the owners.
Many of the _Orioles'_ nests are also deserving notice. The
_black and yellow Oriole_, inhabiting South America, has a pendent
nest, shaped like an alembic; it is affixed to the extreme branches of
trees; sometimes, it is said, so many as four hundred nests are found
hanging on the same tree.
The _Philippine_ and _Pensile Grosbeak_ make also very curious nests.
In concluding this account of the nests of birds, I may notice here the
nest of the _Hirundo esculenta_, or _Esculent Swallow_, an inhabitant
of China and the Islands of the Indian Ocean. The nest consists of a
gelatinous substance, in shape resembling an apple cut down the middle.
The nests are found in great numbers together, and are by the luxurious
Asiatics made into broths, and otherwise cooked, and are esteemed one of
the greatest dainties of the table; they are also occasionally used for
glue.--_Jennings's Ornithologia_.
[1] We are pleased therefore to commence our Supplementary Sheet
with such a volume as the present, which we have reserved for
this purpose. The feelings which it must engender in the reader
will be doubly grateful in these troublous times of strong
political excitement: they enjoin "peace on earth, and goodwill
towards men." the Divine antidote to the storms of conflicting
interests and passions, and the balm which heals the thorny
wounds of the world, that cross every path and tear the finest
sympathies of our nature. It adds, moreover, a pleasant variety
to the contents of our sheet, and alternates with the
vicissitudes of enterprise, in the progress of infant liberty
in the New World, as in the Memoirs of the patriot _Miller_;--the
daring and recklessness of crime, as in the vivid sketch of
_First and Last_;--the picturesque country and ceremonies of
Arabia and its religious people, as drawn by _Burckhardt_;--and
the architectural embellishment of the Metropolis, as shown in
_Britton's Picture of London_.
[2] In the MIRROR, dated March 1, 1828, we noticed "Gilbert White's
Natural History of Selborne, is one of the most delightful
household books in our language, and we are surprised at the
rarity of such works." The publication of the _Journal of a
Naturalist_, early in March, 1829, is "a coincidence."
[3] Philosophers and wits have written on this subject. Sir Thomas
Brown, who wrote a book of _Vulgar Errors_, remarks with great
seriousness that the man "who could eradicate this error from the
minds of the people, might prevent the fearful passions of the
heart, and many cold sweats taking place in grandmothers and
nurses"--Swift lets fly the shafts of satire in these lines.--
A woodworm
That lies in old wood, like a hare in her form;
With teeth, or with claws, it will bite, or will scratch;
And chambermaids christen this worm a death-watch;
Because, like a watch, it always cries click;
Then woe be to those in the house who are sick;
For sure as a gun they will give up the ghost
If the maggat cries click when it scratches the post.
Gay, too, in a _pastoral dirge_, says,
The wether's bell,
Before the drooping flock, toll'd forth her knell;
The solemn deathwatch click'd the hour she died.
* * * * *