158 THE ORNITHOLOGIST. 



regard to the due authentication of the nests of each of the 

 species ; moreover, that such blundering is easily possible at 

 times unless the vital test of differentiating the alarm notes 

 is applied on the spot, for I have on occasions found Willow- 

 warblers' eggs closely approximating in the colour of their 

 markings to those of Chiffchaffs'. Lastly, the notion that 

 there can be two races of Willow-warbler in this country, 

 breeding on and off the ground according to their respective 

 instincts — from what has gone before it will be seen that 

 a similar hypothesis might with an equal show of reason be 

 put forward with regard to two races of Chiffchaff, breeding 

 on and off the ground in like manner — is not, in my opinion, 

 to be entertained for one single moment. I stoutly contend 

 that, even as the Chiffchaff sings at a higher level than the 

 Willow-warbler, so also does it nest at a higher level. 



By W. J. Horn. 

 The editor's note on the nesting of this bird is most 

 interesting to me, and I am sure he will be equally interested 

 to learn that, in the Midlands and South of England — the 

 only districts with which I am acquainted — there is a race of 

 Willow-warblers unknown to him at present* which differs 

 from nearly all those he has met with in placing its nest 

 in contact with the ground, and (writing without reference 

 to my note-books) I may say that, in the districts referred 

 to, not only in absolute contact with the ground, but in some 

 cases, where the ground favours it, partly sunk therein. And 

 he will be equally interested to learn that, in the aforesaid 

 districts, the nest of the Chiffchaff is invariably placed some 

 inches from the ground, and in just such situations as he finds 

 the Willow-warbler's nests — in brambles, rank herbage, or the 

 bottoms of small bushes. 



*See Dr. Sharpe's "Handbook to the Birds of Great Britain" (Vol. i., 

 p. 211) for an interesting reference to the late Mr. Swaysland's supposition 

 that a second species of Willow- warbler existed in England, which laid 

 distinguishable eggs in a nest built off the ground. Mr. Horn, however, 

 affects to take my remark (ante, p. 144) rather too seriously, as it should be 

 plain that the invoking of an unknown race of Willow- warblers was merely 

 a figure of speech in which I embodied my incredulity. — H. K. S. 



