Nov. 1—The usual "frst duty" on returning to Shanghai in the autumn is to inspect damage done by recent typhoons and floods—and this year was no exception to the rule. Among the major casualties I count two of my Poplar trees (mow being converted into winter fuel) and Maggie's first nest, also blown down: in recent years the latter has only been used as a sort of nursery-dump, but it was a landmark to me and so I miss it: fortunately the tree in which this Magpie builds was spared, and the newer (upper) nest still stands....but in a very dilapidated condition I fear: Maggie and Father are already busy on the repairs which will probably have to include a complete new roof and front porch. When I say "busy" I do so with the usual reservations, for Magpies, like all other members of the Crow family, are not born workers: little picnics in the country, a free meal on the lawn, and an occasional fight with the neighbours are among their favourite occupations. And just now there is plenty of free fighting to be had for anyone with a taste in that direction: old Magpies like Maggie and Father are already preparing for the next brood, while all the young unmarried "bloods" of both sexes are wandering round in search of homes and partners. Only yesterday seven young Magpies entered my garden while the home pair were out in the country (enjoying a day in Hungjao, I suppose) and when the latter returned something in the nature of a riot broke out: Maggie screamed, Father shouted, and running fights took place until the seven young upstarts were finally driven off. By the end of the day Father was positively hoarse with scolding: but Maggie did not suf-for in the same way....she is always in good dorm and they say that practice makes perfect,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.