Dr. A. G. Butler,



198



one, to one and a half centimetres in length: these were

immediately utilized for a new nest.


“ From my place of concealment,” writes Mr. Hauth, “I

was able to watch the process exactly :—as always previously,

the female prepared a clear space on the ground for the nesting-

site, among the rush-stalks not far from the window. Standing

on one foot and scratching with the other, also twisting herself

in a circle she had witha few turns gained the desired width

between the rush-stalks.


Meanwhile the resounding pairing note and the gentle call-

note, sounding like kru, kru, had attracted the male; which now

crept as far as possible into the space with her, and also began to

twist and scratch. The hen now seized the stalks within reach

with her bill, and with a rapid lateral movement flung them

singly over herself, that is to say clear over her head on to her

back: then the male dragged them farther towards himself.


When enough stalks lay upon the back of the bird which

was in the nest, these were compacted by pressing upwards and

at the sides, fresh ones being constantly added, until by degrees

a complete enclosing arch was erected. Meanwhile, by turning

in the nest and arranging softer stems, the male had modelled

the nesting-hollow. The principal work fell to the lot of the

female. *


After she had driven the male out and slipped inside herself,

she next drew almost all the stems at the entrance hole together,

so that it was almost concealed ; thereby the building from the

outside appeared like a confused heap of stalks, though inside it

was well-formed (whereby doubtless it affords protection to the

little bird when in freedom). The latter crouched, stooping low

among the loose-lying stalks before the entrance which then

closed up of themselves behind her, so as to conceal the eggs and

brooding cock from sight. It is noteworthy that the male showed

himself extremely cautious every time he left the nest and

slipped in again.”


In this nest the hen laid seven eggs, which however

were unfortunately deserted. She utterly destroyed the nest, and



At this point the tense suddenly changes in the German original, but I have thought it

better to continue in the past tense.—A. G. B.



