NOTES AND QUERIES. 141 



nests is also shared by the American Wrens of the genus Troglodytes 

 (cf. Darwin, ' Origin of Species,' original edit., p. 243; 6th. ed. p. 234). 

 W. Buskin Butterfield (4, Stanhope Place, St. Leonards-on-Sea). 



[Samuels accounts for the peculiar habit both the Long-billed and 

 Short-billed American Marsh- Wrens have of building several nests in 

 one season, by the theory that they are made to protect the sitting 

 female, for it is noticed that the male bird always lures a visitor to an 

 empty nest, and, if this does not satisfy his curiosity, to another one, 

 to prove conclusively that he has no family in prospect (cf. Neltje 

 Blanchan, ' Bird Neighbours,' p. 120). — Ed.] 



Curious Nesting of the Wren. — During the past year the following 

 instances of the nesting of this bird came under my personal observa- 

 tion : — Within our parish church a nest (evidently that of the male) 

 was built in the folds of the curtain at the side of the organ. The nest 

 was by a mishap shaken down, but, nothing daunted, another nest was 

 completed within the same position on the following Sunday; the 

 entrance and exit for the bird being through the open window some 

 short distance away from the nest. In my brother's garden at Oakham, 

 near Dudley, a nest (that of the male bird also) was built within the 

 head of a sprouting broccoli. At Newnham, near Bedford, I had 

 pointed out to me the remains of nests of a Wren that had utilized a 

 succession of strange sites with remarkable perseverance. The first 

 two nests were attempted within the folds of a sack used as a covering 

 placed over the machinery, the third in the pocket of an old coat left 

 hanging near by. The fourth nest, in which four eggs were laid, was 

 built inside the top pulley of a band-saw ; fifth nest, in which two eggs 

 were laid, was constructed inside a Sparrow's old nest ; all of which 

 positions were within the one engine-shed ; the sixth nest, built in a 

 hedgerow close at hand, whence, I am pleased to add, young were 

 successfully reared. In addition, I might note that a nest of the Wren 

 built in a hole in the wall in one of my outbuildings, completed, with 

 exception of a lining of feathers, on March 10th, did not contain a clutch 

 of eggs until May 6th. — J. Steele-Elliott (Dowles Manor, Bewdley). 



Nesting Habits of the Wren. — With reference to Mr. Bentham's 

 note (ante, p. 107), the following may be of interest : — Some years ago 

 a Wren's nest was built in some creepers on the wall of the house in 

 which I then lived, and was left in the unlined state. It was in full 

 view of the windows, but was to all appearance deserted. After about 

 six weeks, however, a brood of young Wrens, just flown, appeared in 

 the evening, and took up their abode in the nest for the night ; a thing 

 which they continued to do every evening for some time. I regret that 

 the exact length of time during which they continued thus to roost in 



