CaroHnensis. Being well assured that this bird must have 

 some means of removing its eggs when discovered, and being 

 determined to ascertain in what way it was effected, he says, 

 " I made up my mind to institute a strict investigation of the 

 matter," and gives the following curious particulars : — 



" When either the male or female (for each sits alternately) 

 has discovered that the eggs have been touched, it ruffles its 

 feathers and appears extremely dejected for a minute or two; 

 after which it emits a low murmuring cry, scarcely audible 

 to me as I lay concealed at a distance of not more than 

 twenty yards. At this time I have seen the other parent 

 reach the spot, flying so low over the ground that I thought 

 its little feet must have touched it as it skimmed along ; and, 

 after a few low notes, and some gesticulations, all indicative 

 of great distress, take an egg in its large mouth, the other 

 bird doing the same, when they would fly off together, skim- 

 ming closely over the ground until they disappeared amongst 

 the trees ; should a person refrain from touching the eggs, 

 the bird returns to them and sits as before." 



Our Night Jar breeds in June ; and, as it may possibly 

 resort to the same means of evading disturbance by removing 

 its eggs, I have copied the above account, hoping that it may 

 lead some one to watch its habits. 



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