486 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
One side of it was slightly torn, exposing the interior, evidently by 
a cat or some other animal. The old birds were not seen, and the nest 
when found was deserted, probably by reason of the mischief done by the 
animal, but evidently built recently —F. Besant (Sibsey Vicarage, Boston). 
Swallow nesting in a Tree.— You may remember that in the summer 
of last year I wrote to you concerning a Swallow’s nest built on a small 
tree-branch. You decided not to have the nest, but asked to be informed 
whether the birds returned this year to their curiously abnormal nesting- 
site. They have not returned, or at least they have not again built in the 
old place. It happened, however, that just as the Swallows first arrived 
here last April we had a few days of continued cold, rain, and storm; the 
birds were found dead in many instances hereabouts. I think that as many 
as six were found dead together in one spot, probably starved, as the 
insects were destroyed—or prevented from appearing—by the ungenial 
weather. Thus we cannot fairly conclude that the old nesting-place was 
not again sought. I may add that the young birds last year got off safely. 
When the tree—a horse-chestnut—lost its leaves in late autumn the rains 
and frosts soon caused the unsheltered nest to disappear, but before it fell 
I took a sketch, which fairly shows the position. I enclose the sketch, and 
of that you will make any use that you think fit. If formal authentication 
of the circumstances is considered desirable it can be amply supplied.— 
F. Busanr (Sibsey Vicarage, Boston). [Communicated by Dr. Ginther, 
F.R.S.] 
Birds which Sing at Night.—Gilbert White mentions three birds 
that sing at night, viz., the Nightingale, Wood Lark, and Lesser Reed , 
Sparrow (Sedge Warbler). Mr. Harting, in his edition of ‘Selborne,’ in a 
foot-note to this passage (p. 18), adds the Reed Warbler, Grasshopper 
Warbler, andthe Cuckoo. ‘The Sky Lark often sings very late, and the 
note of the Corn Crake may frequently be heard in May between 11 and 
12 p.m.” (op. cit., Editor's note). ‘lhe Rev. Dr. Benson (‘Irish Song Birds,’ 
p. 175) mentions another bird—the Nightjar. He also says, ‘‘ The Song 
Thrush and Robin often sing at night. Mr. Arthur Irwin heard a Thrush 
in full song at 1.80 a.m. at Newtown Mountkennedy, on March 22nd, 1886.” 
I can add another occasional night songster. On the 20th of March last 
I heard a Blackbird singing most delightfully from some evergreens near 
my bed-room window. ‘The time was 12.40 a.m. Whether or not it was 
the light in my room that induced it to break into song I cannot say, but 
I never heard a Blackbird siug so late (or early) before or since. ‘The 
Heron may often be seen and heard here about midnight. Many times 
I have listened to its harsh cry, delivered by the bird high up in the clear 
air, and afterwards seen it flying in the bright moonlight.—Witt1am W. 
f'Lumyne@ (Coalfin House, Portlaw, Co. Watertord). 
