234 SYLYITDJE.

" The nest already described was built hardly 2 feet off the ground,
was rather clumsy (if I might -use such an expression), and was
composed of three leaves. The eggs were white, covered with
brownish-pink blotches almost coalescing at the large ^ end.
Another nest, taken in my presence (July, again, which is the
general time) from the very top of a high tree, was enclosed inside
of one leaf, the sides being neatly sewn together, and the cavity at
the bottom lined with wool, down, and horsehair. These eggs
(four) are covered, chiefly at the larger ends, with minute red
spots.

" A third nest seen by me was composed of seven or eight
leaves"

Captain Hutton tells us that he has seen many nests. All were
" composed of cotton, wool, vegetable fibre, and horsehair, formed
in the shape of a deep cup or purse, enclosed between two long
leaves, the edges of which were sewed to the sides of the nest, in
a manner to support it, by threads spun by the bird."

He adds that the birds, though common at their bases, do not
ascend the hills ; but this is a mistake, for I have repeatedly taken
nests at elevations of over 3000 feet; and Mr. Gamrnie, writing
from Sikhim, says :—" "We often find nests of this species near my
house at Mongp'hoo (which is at an elevation of about 3500 feet).
I took one there on the 16th May, which contained four hard-set
eggs. It was in a calicarpa tree and between two of its long ovate
leaves, the terminal halves of which were sewn together by the
edges, so as to form a purse in which the real nest was placed.
Yellow silk of some wild silkworm was the sewing material
used."

Again, writing from the Mlgiris, Miss Cockburn remarks:—
" The Tailor-bird is seldom met with on the highest ranges, but
appears to prefer the warmer climates enjoyed at the elevation of
about 3500 or 4000 feet. They often build in the coffee-trees ; a
nest now before me was built on a coffee-tree, two of the leaves of
which were bent down and sewn together. The threads are of
cobweb, and the cavity is lined with the down of seed-pods and
fine grass. At the back of the nest the leaves are made to meet,
but are a little apart in front, so as to form an opening for the
birds to hop in and out. The depth of the nest inside is 2^ inches.
It was found in the month of June, and contained four eggs, which
were white spotted with light red."

Of its breeding in Nepal, Dr. Scully tells us :—" It breeds freely
in the valley at an elevation of 4500 feet. 1 took many of its
nests in the Eesidency grounds, Eani Jangal, &e., in May, June,
and July."

Major C. T. Bingham writes :—" The Indian Tailor-bird breeds
in April, May, and June, both at Allahabad and at Delhi. The
nest formed of one, two, and occasionally three, leaves neatly sewn
so as to form a cone, and lined with the down of the madar, is well
known."

Colonel Butler has furnished me with the following note:__