194 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



with a worm. All these examples were in full 

 plumage and good condition. 



Stonechat or FuRZECHAT, Sctxicola Tuhicola. 

 Very common on open heaths and gorse-covered 

 commons. Several remain with us during the 

 winter. 



Whinchat, Saxicola ruhetra. Provincial, Bar- 

 ley-ear. Arrives during the early part of April 

 if the season be favourable. Haunts and habits 

 similar to those of the last species. 



Wheatear, Saxicola oenanthe. Numbers ar- 

 rive in March, but the greater portion of these 

 proceed farther north ; comparatively few remain- 

 ing here during the breeding-season. Immense 

 flocks appear on the Downs during the early part 

 of August, at the period of the autumnal migra- 

 tion, and quantities are taken by the shepherds 

 in snares of a very simple description, formed by 

 slight excavations in the turf, and horse-hair 

 nooses. The instinct of this bird prompts it, on 

 the slightest alarm, to run for concealment to the 

 nearest hole. The observant shepherd, availing 

 himself of this habit, constructed his infallible 

 trap; for a full and accurate account of which, 

 and of the capture of these birds on the Sussex 

 Downs between Eastbourne and Beachy Head, 

 the reader is referred to Mr. Yarrell's " History of 

 British Birds," vol. i., p. 256. 



