100 MY LIFE AS A NATURALIST 



This concludes my detailed notes, and I have only to add a 

 few general ones. These may be tabulated thus : 



A. Where, when, and how do wild birds die, and why is it 

 their dead bodies are not discovered more frequently ? 



B. To what age do wild birds live, and are the ages they attain 

 when kept in captivity any guide in this connection ? 



C. How long do birds take to build a nest ? I have known 

 isolated instances of a Song Thrush and a Redbreast beginning 

 and completing a nest within twenty-four hours, but an imperfect 

 knowledge exists of the time expended by most birds in the con- 

 struction of their homes, and also as to the exact methods em- 

 ployed. 



Z). Why do some birds choose such well-advertised sites in 

 which to place their nests, whereas others, belonging to the same 

 species, are very adept at choosing positions where security is 

 much more likely to be obtained ? 



With these few general notes I bring my paper to a close, and, 

 while thanking you for the attention with which you have listened 

 to my observations, would emphasise that they only pretend 

 to be a somewhat miscellaneous collection of musings which 

 may, or may not, have any scientific bearing. But my love for, 

 and keen desire to develop further interest in, our British birds, 

 and the hope that some light will be thrown upon my observa- 

 tions, must be my reason for asking your indulgence on this 

 occasion. 



