OF SELBORNE. 69 
old pales, calling it a jarbird. I procured one to 
be shot in the very fact; it proved to be the sitta 
Europea (the nuthatch). Mr. Ray says that the 
less spotted woodpecker doesthe same. This noise 
may be heard a furlong or more. 
Now is the only time to ascertain the short- 
winged summer birds; for, when the leaf is out, 
there is no making any remarks on such a restless 
tribe ; and, when once the young begin to appear, 
it is all confusion; there is no distinction of genus 
or species. 
In summer time Snipes play over the moors, 
piping and humming; they always hum as they 
are descending. Is not their hum ventriloquous, 
like that of the turkey? Some suspect that it is 
made by their wings. ) 
This morning [ saw the golden-crowned wren, 
whose crown glitters like burnished gold. It often 
hangs like a titmouse, with its back downward. 
