194) Mr. A. Newton on the Possibility 



subsequently many opportunities of discussing the matter with 

 him, and the considerations recorded in this essay are among the 

 results of the consequent interchange of ideas between us. 



I have already stated my entire ignorance of what is the 

 dominant species of bird in England generally. At first sight 

 one might be almost inclined to suppose, as Mr. Wolley (in the 

 passage I have just quoted) seems to have thought, that the 

 House Sparrow is the most abundant of our birds. There is no 

 question that it is one of the most characteristic ; for this is shown 

 as well by a walk through the streets of London as by a ramble 

 in the country. But on inquiry I think it will be found that 

 there are numerous and extensive districts in which its pre- 

 dominance cannot be admitted. Its habits incline it to the vici- 

 nity of human civilization. Where it does occur, it of necessity 

 obtains notice. In localities further removed from the haunts of 

 men it is clearly outnumbered by the Sky Lark, the Yellow Ham- 

 mer, and the Chaffinch, and these localities form the majority. 

 Difficult therefore as it is to strike the balance, I am of opinion 

 that its claims must be disallowed. 



After some reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the 

 Grey Partridge in this particular district is the most abundant 

 species we have. I do not now pretend to assign for the fact 

 any causes beyond those which will immediately occur to the 

 reader — the long-continued and systematic destruction of its 

 especial enemies, and its still more ancient protection during 

 the breeding-season by the law of the laud. In other counties I 

 well know the fact is otherwise. In parts of Gloucestershire or 

 Monmouthshire, one cannot find in a week as many as may be 

 seen in an afternoon^s stroll in this neighbourhood ; and yet, as 

 far as human aid goes. Partridges are as carefully preserved there 

 as here. 



Still further, I am almost inclined to doubt if, in any exten- 

 sive district in England, say a county of average size, any species 

 is more numerous than the Grey Partridge is hereabouts. But I 

 own freely that I am writing in comparative ignorance, and it 

 may well be that I am mistaken. Let it therefore mei'cly rest 

 as an assumption, insufficiently supported at present by evidence, 

 for the sake of seeing what further inferences may be drawn from 



