THE MARSH WARBLER NEAR TAUNTON. 335 
nest, to secure the old birds; but they kept themselves hidden in 
the herbage and among the withies, which formed a thick cover 
as high as a man’s shoulder, and it was not until a long time had 
been spent in waiting that they showed themselves, and afforded 
a chance to the gun. Both birds were fired at, and fluttering 
down among the roots of the tall grass could not be secured; and 
Mr. Marshall finally left the withy-bed under the idea that the 
birds had been either killed or wounded; but this did not happen 
to be the case. 
Ten days later Coates again visited the spot and detected the 
male bird, and after a short search found that the persevering pair 
had constructed another nest but a few feet from where the first 
had been placed, and that already an egg had been deposited. 
On hearing this good news, I waited a few days until the com- 
plement of eggs would be laid, and then, early on a beautiful July 
morning, paid another visit to the withy-bed. A cautious tap 
dislodged the hen bird from her nest, and by the movements of 
the tops of the withies I could see where she was creeping off 
through the cover, and could hear her harsh clacking note. She 
would not expose herself, and a shot fired where the undulations 
were noticed was not aimed low enough and failed to secure her. 
After waiting some time the male bird was suddenly seen perched 
on a willow overhanging the stream and was brought down. 
Although the presence of the female was made apparent once 
or twice subsequently by movements of the herbage, I failed to 
obtain a chance at her, and went away very contented with the 
male and the beautiful nest, which now contained four very richly- 
marked eggs. This second nest was placed exactly as the first 
had been, and was supported on three stalks of Spirea, which 
the birds had laced together with dry bents. It was not so closely 
lined with horse-hair as the first, and altogether less material had 
been employed by the birds, who doubtless built with great haste 
with a view to repair the fortunes of their house. No poultry 
feathers were on the exterior, which was constructed of dry bents 
only. Still it was a very elegant little nest, exhibiting great 
ingenuity, and when cut from its position with the three rods of 
Spirea laden on the top, with the sweet-scented white blossoms, 
it made a charming picture. 
At the same time that Coates had reported his discovery of the 
first nest, he also announced the fact that another pair of Marsh 
