71 [Vol. xxvii. 



I. The Water-Hen. [Gallinula chloropus.) (Taken in 



Hertfordshire.) 



Ij 2. A nest with five eggs under a yew tree. 



3. A nest with nine eggs on the trailing branches of a 

 wild rose tree. 



4-12. Another nest in an open situation, built against 

 a post supporting a wire-fence across a stream. 

 The various modes by which the bird approached 

 her nest were well illustrated, the most curious 

 showing the Water-Hen walking along one of the 

 wires, and using both her wings and tail to 

 maintain her balance ; the absence of membrane 

 on her toes was clearly visible. For comparison, a 

 photograph (No. 10) of the Coot (Fulica atra) 

 climbing on to her nest was also exhibited, the lobed 

 membrane on the toes being well shown. 



13. Two Water-Hens at a Pheasants' feeding-place, 



showing the white patch beneath the tail, which 

 probably serves as a '' recognition mark.'' 



II. The Common Snipe. (Gallinago gallinago.) (Taken 



in Hertfordshire.) 



1-, 2. Nest with four eggs in the long grass of a water- 

 meadow. 



3-7. Showing the gradual approach of the bird through 

 the grass and her habit of touching and arranging 

 the eggs with her bill. 



8-13. With the breast-feathers erected she covers her 

 eggs and settles down on the nest. Front, side, 

 and back views of the bird were shown, and dis- 

 played the beautiful protective colour and markings 

 of the plumage. 



14. " Panting with the heat.'' 



15. With wings and feathers '^ puffed out." 



16. Another nest with three newly-hatched chicks and 



one infertile egg. 



17. The three young squatting in the grass near the 



nest. 



