Rhody was not seen until about 3 P.M., perhaps because it was a hot day (90) he was in a cool, shady place where there was a breeze (There were such). When he did appear he loafed around for an hour or so doing the usual things before his actions began to indicate that he was now in a receptive mood. I affected to ignore him when he began to show increasing interest in my im- mediate vicinity, with the result that he walked by me and disap- peared. A surreptitious peek disclosed him behind me on the road standing quietly waiting. When I stood up he headed for the shop- yard, going all the way without a backward glance until he arrived at the mousery. There he stood and waited patiently and was, of course, duly rewarded. No ritual. August 11th. 82 deg. in the court at 9 A.M. The young thrashers were found surprisingly active with twigs, leaves and so forth, and ready to "build a nest" on my hands. Okii had a sham battle with a magnolia leaf, and when I used the leaf as a weapon, responded at once as if it were a real opponent of his own kind. I forgot to record that, yesterday, in order to protect several cuts and bruises on my hands from the thrashers, I covered them with adhesive tape. O and C were pecking at them and eating the blood. Now they try to pull off the tape. Also overlooked in recording: Okii learned very quickly to take the cover off of the worm-box, although dynamics and kinemat- ics are beyond his ken. Thus, in pulling it off, which he does by hooking his bill under the far side of the rim, he may stand on the cover; thus, in effect: trying to lift himself by his own boot- straps. Also, he may hook his bill under the box itself instead of under the rim of the cover at the parting line. About 11 A.M., a fine little quarter song was heard as I ap- proached the cage. It was by Chisai. Okii, digging in a heap of compost, discovered a long, thin root, and with much talk, carried it directly to a certain place in the upper annex in which he has lately shown interest. Rhody had also taken his meat from the dish. During the rest of the day occasional manifestations of the nesting instinct were observed. These seemed to be stimulated by my presence, as if, in some way, I have become linked with that portion of their life pattern which has to do with their repro- ductive activities. About 4:30, when I was not sufficiently responsive to Rhody's mouse-leanings to satisfy him, he again decided to take the initi- ative and partly lead, partly accompanied me to the mouse abode, where all ceremonies were dispensed with, once again. August 12th. At 8 A.M., as I opened the inner door of the cage entry, both thrashers flew at once to my shoulders and began to prod about and talk. This finished, they dropped to the ground. I went to the inner cage followed closely by them. Okii at once picked up a long rootlet and carried it to the nest, talking. Other material offered to him there was accepted promptly and placed.