FETCH OR A 285 



large flock appears to be much greater, or the proportion 

 of females is much greater. When the great flock settled 

 on the high railings which are used for drying grain in 

 autumn, they kept up a continuous twitter for some 

 seconds, somewhat resembling the noise made by starlings 

 when together in a large flock, and the noise of their 

 wings could be heard as they rose at a considerable 

 distance. 



Their food at present appears to be principally grain 

 and hay-seeds picked up from the horses' droppings. 

 They are plump and in good condition, and are excellent 

 eating. 



The black on the centre tail feathers of the male ex- 

 tends much further down than on the females — or nearer 

 to the root. 



Maij 5. 



On Wednesday, the 5th of May, we climbed up the 

 little valley where we saw the first Yellowhammer on 

 the 20th of April, and went again into the forest higher 

 up. Eavens were constantly passing overhead across the 

 valley, uttering at times their hoarse croak. Two Mag- 

 pies had a nest in a spruce ready for eggs, and they 

 seemed quite solicitous for its safety as they flew 

 chattering along in front of Seebohm (who had put 

 his hand into it) for some distance, apparently trying to 

 lead him away from it. 



A $ Hen Harrier was seen by Seebohm in the little 

 valley as he dashed past, and a splendid old male MerHn 

 was seen as we entered the town, threading the main 

 street, doubtless in quest of Sparrows. 



We observed a trap set in the wood, but could not 

 recognise its nature as it was partially hidden by snow. 



This morning a fire broke out in M. Arendt's house ; it 

 was soon extinguished, but not in time to prevent a con- 

 siderable amount of damage being done to the flues and 



