Ardetta epilis 8, Nests of M. Melanotis Middlesex Co., Mass. June 10 The first two contained five young each, all nearly able to fly. In one nest however four out of the five were cold and stiff-- killed by the rains while the 5th survivor sat on top of the mortal heap and chirped loudly for food. The other two nests contained 4 & 5 eggs respectively, all perfectly fresh. These latter were evidently second nests of the two that I robbed May 27th & June 1st (nests "B/s" and "D/s") as they were placed within 20 yds of the original sites. The first was built on the top of a tussock, the other under a canopy of dry grasses. Found also a nest of G. trichas with 4 newly fledged. It was raised above the water to the height of about 12 inch and supported between the stems of a small bush. While feeding about in this swamp a fine adult & Ardetta epilis started from the top of a water willow when he had been sitting and flying a few rods, bit again in a tall bush; as I cautiously approached him he spread at one with outstretched neck and walked out along the branch a few steps exactly so I have seen the green heron do. Finally getting within long range I shot him dead with the Stevens pistol. His stomach was entirely empty, the testes at the maximum state of development. I have little doubt but that he was the mate of the & Idist on the 27th ult. Here I also came across a pair of Rallus Vir. that were accom- pañied by a brood of young. Both M. old birds were very bold coming up within ten feet of me and