198 On the Occurrence of some of the Rarer Species of Birds 



question should be settled by reference to a Robin's nest that we 

 knew was to be found not far off in the garden-hedge. No sooner 

 said than done. But when the nest was discovered, there were 

 neither five nor six eggs, but no less than eight — a number that I 

 have never known before nor since, but which impressed upon us 

 the lesson, in a practical way, that sometimes there might be more 

 than even two sides to a question. A little while ago there was a 

 curious specimen of this little bird round the South Western Railway 

 Station, the bill of which, through some malformation, had become 

 like that of an exaggerated cross-bill, but notwithstanding all the 

 observer's efforts to trap it, a thing in the Robin's case generally not 

 very hard to effect, he failed to do so, and afcer some time it dis- 

 appeared. 



Saxicola ananthe. " The Wheat Ear." Common on our downs 

 and other suitable places. A charmingly-coloured bird, and one 

 that is sure to attract attention by its pure white tail coverts. 

 Hundreds of these birds used to be caught at one time by the down 

 shepherds in little turf traps, arranged so as to contain a hollow 

 passage, through which the bird was sure to run. They used to be 

 considered very good eating, which thus caused them to be perse- 

 cuted in this merciless manner. 



Saxicola Rubicola. " The Stone Chat." Just uncommon enough 

 to make you notice it when you come across it. The cock bird, a 

 very handsome little fellow, and with its lively jerky flight seeming 

 to beckon you to follow it, and say, '' Come on, here I am." I have 

 occasionally noticed this species between Britford and Salisbury, 

 and generally in the autumn. 



Saxicola Rubetra. " The Whin Chat." First cousin to the last, 

 and of much the same habits, but perhaps more generally dispersed. 

 I have found its nest at Claybury, in the next parish, and have also 

 noticed 'the bird in our own. Neither this nor the last species are 

 very numerous with us, but are always welcome from their cheery 

 attractive habits. 



Phcenicura Ruticilla. " The Redstart." Commonly called "Fire- 

 tail." The cock bird is, without exception, one of our very prettiest 

 coloured warblers, and a general favourite. They are widely dispersed 



