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128 NATURAL HISTORY 
chalky downs and in some sandy districts, but not 
in the clays. 
In the garden of the Black Bear Inn, in the town 
of Reading, is a stream or canal running under the 
stables and out into the fields on the other side of 
the road: in this water are many carps, which lie 
rolling about in sight, being fed by travellers, who 
amuse themselves by tossing them bread; but, as 
soon as the weather grows at all severe, these fish 
are no longer seen, because they retire under the 
stables, where they remain till the return of spring. 
Do they lie in a torpid state? If they do not, how 
are they supported ? 
The note of the WxHITETHROAT, which is continu- 
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ally repeated, and often attended with odd gesticu- 
lations on the wing, is harsh and displeasing. 
These birds seem of a pugnacious disposition; for 
they sing with an erected crest, and attitudes of 
rivalry and defiance ; are shy and wild in hatching- 
time, avoiding neighbourhoods, and haunting lonely 
lanes and commons ; nay, even the very tops of the 
Sussex Downs, where there are bushes and covert ; 
