times, B returning to me each time and Bb approaching as B retreated from him. Undoubtedly B's guiding motive in deferring pursuit was his expectation of getting food from me, but the illusion of his under- standing me and obeying was perfect. Moreover, I did not offer him food, and he fell to prospecting on the lawn. Bb went to the pool to look amongst the shrubbery. B followed soon, but there was no sign of enmity. When I heard B's half song, I came here without being seen and observed them without their being aware of my presence. Thus their actions were natural. During the first part of this episode, Nova and two other thrashers were also present at distances ranging from 25 to 75 feet. They were foraging and occasionally indulging in what appeared to be play, and were still more or less in the same vicinity when I came into the house. What has come over these birds, that 5 of them can occupy the same small area peacably--when, by all local precedent--at least two of them, Bb and Nb--should have been driven off long ago, and the third one, whoever he may be, should have been driven off instantly and followed relentlessly for 200 yards or more beyond the propertylines? Also what has happened to encourage Bb to tease his parent and "get away with it" at such a critical time? The division of the family into two groups at the outset, Bb with Brownie and Nb with Nova, has undoubtedly had some effect in causing a departure from actions observed in connection with previous broods. Bb has become like Brownie, and Nb, shy like Nova. Neither has had a young bird to play with. Brownie has not had the constant companionship of Nova as he had of Greenie. They are seldom seen together. B and G were inseparable. Perhaps B doubts whether he will have company if he drives Bb away. Yet, as witness his successful gathering of them all to him from nowhere within a few minutes observed the other morning, it seems that he should have no difficulty in this respect. And what was the congress in the cypress tree yesterday all about, and