ted fly-catcher, which similarly
chooses the cast-off skins of snakes. But no doubt the most remarkable
of these cases is that of the baya-bird of Asia, which after having
completed its bottle-shaped and chambered nest[47], studs it over with
small lumps of clay, both inside and out, upon which the cock-bird
sticks fire-flies, apparently for the sole purpose of securing a
brilliantly decorative effect. Other birds, such as the hammer-head of
Africa, adorn the surroundings of their nests (which are built upon the
ground) with shells, bones, pieces of broken glass and earthenware, or
any objects of a bright and conspicuous character which they may happen
to find. The most consummate artists in this respect are, however, the
bower-birds; for the species of this family construct elaborate
play-houses in the form of arched tunnels, built of twigs upon the
ground. Through and around such a tunnel they chase one another; and it
is always observable that not only is the floor paved with a great
collection of shells, bones, coloured stones, and any other brilliant
objects which they are able to carry in their beaks, but also that the
walls are decorated with the most gaudy articles which the birds can
find. There is one genus, in Papua, which even goes so far as to provide
the theatre with a surrounding garden. A level piece of ground is
selected as a site for the building. The latter is about two feet high,
and constructed round the growing stalk of a shrub, which therefore
serves as a central pillar to which the frame-work of the roof is
attached. Twigs are woven into this frame-work until the whole is
rendered rain-proof. The tent thus erected is about nine feet in
circumference at its base, and presents a large arch as an entrance. The
central pillar is banked up with moss at its base, and a gallery is
built round the interior of the edifice. This gallery is decorated with
flowers, fruits, fungi, &c. These are also spread over the garden, which
covers about the same area as the play-house. The flowers are said to
be removed when they fade, while fresh ones are gathered to supply their
places. Thus the garden is always kept bright with flowers, as well as
with the brilliant green of mosses, which are collected and distributed
in patches, resembling tiny lawns.

[47] The chambers are three in number. The two upper ones are
occupied respectively by the male and the sitting female. The lower
one serves as a general l