222 THE BIRDS OF KENT 



manner of building, one rook remaining to guard the nest 

 whilst its partner flew off in search of building material ; 

 but I remarked that, instead of picking up dead twigs 

 or sticks, it set to work to break off green ones. After 

 having secured two, which it retained in its beak, it 

 endeavoured to break off a third, but failing in doing so, 

 as it was not only a green but a strong twig, the Rook 

 threw itself back so as to bring its whole weight to bear, 

 not, however, relinquishing its hold of the branch on 

 which it stood, extending its wings at the same time, so 

 as to add force to the pull : by this means it eventually 

 succeeded in dragging or slipping it off, although its 

 utmost powers had previously failed in breaking it. 

 There were two other nests on the same branch, one 

 indeed, almost touching the first, and I counted about 

 thirty in a more or less forward state, but few, I think, 

 were complete ; consequently, it would appear that rooks 

 are rather backward with their building this season, as 

 White tells us they begin as early as February 16 ; 

 Macgillivray mentions the same date, and Markwich 

 February 28. March 27 : Had another look at the 

 rookery this afternoon. Found the nests were beginning 

 to make more show, but, from the great clamour and 

 commotion that prevailed, I am inclined to think few 

 out of the number can yet be ready to receive eggs. I 

 witnessed several skirmishes, besides a general assault 

 made on a half- finished nest, which Was not only covered 

 with the assailants, but surrounded by them for some 

 time. I observed one of the unfortunate Kooks defend- 

 ing its aerial castle most stoutly, indeed furiously, chng- 

 ing to it with the greatest tenacity, never once quitting 

 its hold, emitting, at the same time, an angry, hissing 

 kind of noise, which might have been heard at a con- 



