SYLVIxVD^. 195 



Geasshopper Warbler, Salicaria locust eUa. 

 It is very partially distributed, being rare even in 

 some districts which would appear well suited to 

 its habits. I have explored many acres of furze 

 and extensive commons in the weald, without 

 being able to detect its presence by sound or 

 sight. It is very rare in the neighbourhood of 

 J^righton and Hastings, but has frequently been 

 obtrdned near Chichester. I know one heathy 

 common about a mile from Petworth, interspersed 

 with patches of thorn and gorse, where several 

 pairs of these birds may be heard every summer; 

 but although my patience has often been re- 

 warded by occasional glimpses of the little fea- 

 thered chirpers as they crept, mouse-like, among 

 the stalks of the furze and fern, I never succeeded 

 in discovering their nest or eggs. 



Sedge Warbler, Salicaria phragmitls. Com- 

 mon where low drains with sedgy banks, or brooks 

 bordered with thick bushes occur, or wherever 

 moist and damp situations encourage a profusion 

 of aquatic herbage. 



Reed Warbler, Salicaria arundinacea. Par- 

 tially distributed, and everywhere less numerous 

 than the last-named species. Was formerly of 

 frequent occurrence on Pevensey Levels, but 

 since the clearing out of many of the reed beds, 

 has almost disappeared from that neighbourhood. 



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