88 NATURALIZATION OF FOREIGN BIRDS. 



that they more frequented the cuttings made for draining off the water. 



Swift, (Hirundo apus,) Linn. — Common. Arrived in 1849, on May 4th., 

 and I saw it as late as August 13th., 1847, August 16th., 1848, and 

 August 18th., 1849. 



Passerine, or Garden Warbler, (Curruca hortensis,) Bechst. — Not uncommon. 

 Arrived at Bickleigh vale in 1849, on May 7th. When all is quiet, these 

 birds will frequently sit singing in a conspicuous situation, but on the least 

 disturbance, drop down like stones into the undergrowth, • and there continue 

 their warbling in security. Early on May mornings I have frequently seen 

 them hopping about on the grass adjoining the Dartmoor railway. Their song 

 is clearer than that of the Whitethroat, and more mellow than that of the 

 Blackcap. I have occasionally shot them whilst feeding on cherries. 



Spotted Flycatcher, (Muscicapa gi'isola,) Linn. — Very common. An-ived in 

 1849, on May 9th. 



Fied Flycatcher, (Muscicapa atrieapilla,) Linn.- — Very rare. A male bird 

 was obtained at Mount Edgcumbe, several years ago, in the end of April, and 

 is now preserved in Mr. Bolitho's collection. Taxidermist, Plymouth. 



Nightjar, (Caprimulgus Europoeus,) Linn. — Common. Arrived in 1849, on 

 May 8th. It much frequents the outskirts of Dartmoor, and is occasionally 

 seen in the months of August and September, in thick turnip or potato 

 fields. 



Fed-backed Shrike, (Lanius collurio,) Linn. — Not uncommon. Is found at 

 Mount Gold and Five-fields, near Plymouth, and also at INIount Edgcumbe. 

 Arrives in the beginning of May, and departs in September. 



Hobby Hawk, (Falco subbuteo,) Linn. — Hare. I obtained a fine specimen 

 in Bickleigh vale, in May, 1846; I have seen young birds here until the 

 beginning of October. 



Common Sandpiper, (Tringa hypoleucos,) Temm.— Common. Frequents all 

 the streams on Dartmoor; in August it repairs with its young to the sea 

 coasts, and takes its departure in the beginning of October. 



Turtle Dove, (Columba turtur,) Unn. — Rare. Is most frequently seen in 

 the months of May and September; and from a very young bird obtained at 

 Gnaton, August, 1850, I think they occasionally breed here. 



I have never observed either the Nightingale or Reed Warbler in Devonshire, 

 although I have seen them both tolerably numerous in nearly all our Midland 

 counties. 



Lara House, Flymouth, Apnil, 1851. 



