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118 TH.E- CONDOR Vol. XlV of the birds would lead one to expect. All the nests found by us conformed closely to the published descriptions, and there was practically no variation in material, construction or location. The young are very queer looking little balls of yellowish down, from which protrudes a long sharp bill, and the most malig- nant pair of eyes to be found in the bird world. In fact I know of no bird dispo- sition that could equal that of these helpless little creatures in genuine "cussed- hess". The slightest noise or motion transforlns the cuddling little chicklets into evil-looking little fiends, that attack an outstretched finger or strike with the ferocity of a tiger. Their note of anger is a loud, forbidding hiss, very snake-like in quality (possibly a natural protection from the bullsnakes which infest their nesting grounds) and more than one nest was found that would have otherwise been passed by but for the denionstration occasioned by our approach. As soon "I Fig. 45. YOUNG BITTERNS IN NEST as they are able to leave the nest, this aggressive nature deserts theni and they are the same skulking secretive birds as the mature adults, although they show some fight if handled. One peculiar example of "bittern nature" came to our notice. While work- ing through a very dense cover of cattails and rushes we came upon an adult bittern which permitted us to pick it up. A thorough examination failed to reveal any injury, so we decided to photograph our captive. However, when we endeavored to pose him he would either flop down in a most dejected heap or would dart for the rushes with niost surprising speed, which would be the occa- sion for some highly edifying (for the other fellow) speed tests upon our part. Finally after a dozen fruitless attempts we decided to see if his wings were injured so tossed him as high as possible into the air. He very promptly and