4*26 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 



of Redpolls feeding on the seeds of the Alder ; after firing at them, I found that 

 they returned to the very same tree (though I was standing under it) before I 

 could reload my gun. This they did many times, and with a perseverence which 

 I shall not easily forget. 



12. P. 405. You speak of the Starling as being a " difficult bird to shoot." No 

 bird of its size (as it appears to me) is more easy to approach within gun-shot, 

 either in summer or winter. I don't believe they suck Pigeons' eggs ; do you ? 

 They are amusing birds, and you describe their winter concerts admirably at 

 p. 405. 



13. I forgot to say, when speaking of the Nightjar, that / would not discard 

 the old name Caprimulgus, because it seems to record, as it were, historically, 

 the superstitious notions that have been entertained respecting it. No one in 

 these days, I should suppose, except, perhaps, the very ignorant, could believe 

 that it really did suck Goats, Cows, or anything else ; and such persons — if such 

 there be — would not understand the meaning of the word Caprimulgus. " Night- 

 jar" (an excellent name) I much prefer to " Goatsucker." 



14. Why did you not refer to Bewick's figures, as contained in his popular 

 work? For though his letter-press is no very good authority, his admirable 

 wood-cuts must always be held in estimation. 



15. I have also a "Crow to pick" with you for not having enumerated the 

 Swallows among your British song birds. That title is, of course, to be under- 

 stood in a large and liberal sense, for you include under it many birds that have 

 no pretensions to song; but surely the Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is, bond fid-e, 

 a legitimate songster. He has, ere now, kept me awake at day-break, or before, 

 by his persevering music, which is moreover highly agreeable. And the harsh 

 scream of the Swift, too, delights me as much as the note of any bird whatever. 

 I am not certain that I do not prefer it even to the sweet melody of the Night- 

 ingale himself; but here comes the association of ideas. 



I have written as briefly as possible, in order to come within the compass of a 

 single sheet. 



Believe me, dear Sir, 



Very truly yours, 

 Allesley Rectory, near Coventry, W. T. Bree. 



May 9, 1838. 



Q. We believe the remark of Mr. Bree to be generally, though not universally 

 correct. We have noticed both cases. — 2. Orchards do not commonly foster trees 

 producing fruit softer than cherries, which would probably be inaccessible to the 

 tender beak of the Redstart. This is what we have stated in other words at the 

 passage alluded to; and if the expression was obscure, we can only regret the 



