diameter at its j,'reatcst cnlargcinc-nt. The length of the passageway is about six 

 inches." It seems almost impossible that two tiny birds can build in a short 

 time such an elaborate and so large a nest. Even the gathering of the materials 

 must require a large amount of labor. It has been suggested by several observers 

 that the nest is not the result of the labor of a single pair of birds, but that 

 the whole flock unite their energies in its construction. 



The notes of the Bush-Tit well illustrate the ditTerence between the call- 

 notes and danger signals of some of the smaller birds. Mr. John J. Williams, in an 

 article on "Common and Special Call Notes," published in a recent issue of the 

 "Condor," speaks of the Bush-Tit's notes, lie says: "Why these mites of 

 birds should use a warning signal when near human beings, is beyond me, as 

 they are practically unmolested by them at any time, yet such is the case. Here 

 they flit incessantly, in small companies, from one bush to the next over the 

 bush-covered hillsides, passing rapidly along, usually on a straight course, com- 

 pletely absorbed in the search for their minute insect food and uttering a con- 

 tinuous chorus of fine lisping 'tsit it it tsee ee ee.' Frequently I have heard them 

 coming some distance off, and have placed myself in the open, close to their 

 line of travel, in order to observe their actions better. Nearer they come until 

 they are within arm's reach, and their call notes still sound as merrily as before. 

 Suddenly one of them recognizes in me something strange and unusual. Not 

 a move have I made, and yet first one and then another gives a ^^''arning note, 

 an imperative little 'tswit-tswit-tswit,' and as if by magic, they pass aroupd 

 me and some little distance away. Not one has flown directly away from me. 

 but for the sake of safety they have changed their course temporarily. In a 

 minute or so their warning notes cease, they feel easier and their cheery little 

 call-notes sound forth again as tjiey resume their original direction through the 

 bushes." 



