I make a distinction advisedly, as had I taken them into the coverts, not only would they have proved an eyesore to gamekeepers, but, inasmuch as the entire absence of all noise should be the watchword of those who study the habits of birds in their woodland haunts, the mere presence of dogs would have tended to defeat the very object I had in view. However, what I was about to say was this:—I noticed one day they were taking unusual interest in the way I was poking and peering into the roadside bushes, and they certainly saw me find and remove some nests. Shortly afterwards they themselves took to what I can only describe as "setting" bushes in which any nests might be placed, and not only would they intelligently look round to see if I was coming, and as much as to say, "Here you are!" but when I reached the spot they would display manifest signs of delight, and get quite excited if a bird fluttered out in front of them. I am afraid I cannot add I ever saw one "backing" the other! I am aware that some dogs have been trained to hunt for eggs—viz. for those of Lapwings, but here was an instance of a habit acquired solely from seeing me interesting myself in such matters; and in connection with the same I particularly made note of two things—viz. they never once "set" an old nest, and the bird was invariably on those they found. I presume it was the scent of the latter that accounted for no false points, but it was strange that they should have voluntarily taken upon themselves to lend me such serviceable aid.
A characteristic feature of a large series of the nests of the Whitethroat is the profusion of dark horse-hair which is used for the lining, though, on occasions, I have noticed hair only sparingly employed—much less seldom none at all. The exterior of the structure is chiefly composed of the withered stems of goose-grass and the cocoons of caterpillars, its component parts being so dexterously and beautifully interwoven as to render the nest quite firm and compact. It is perhaps worthy of remark that Whitethroats are not in the habit of utilising thin roots and fibrous rootlets, as some writers assert; though, as in the case of other species, it is obvious that varieties of construction may occur. The nest is more substantially built than those of its smaller relative, and less so than those of the Garden Warbler—it hits, in fact, the happy medium.
