In the Neighbourhood of Salisbury . 199 



around us, but scarcely plentiful. A pair have bred for some years 

 in a walled garden in the middle of Salisbury. 



Phcenicura Tithi/s. " Tithys Redstart," or the ",Black Redstart." 

 This rare species I cannot obtain any information about, nearer than 

 the mouth of our Avon valley, at Christchurch. Here, however, 

 Hart informs me that three specimens of this bird were killed near 

 that place in 1875, besides one or two other specimens previously. 

 It is generally seen in England, I believe, in the winter months, 

 although there are instances of its having bred in some of our counties. 



Salicaria Locustella. "The Grasshopper Warbler." This little 

 bird takes its name from the very peculiar character of its note, 

 which much resembles the chirping noise made by a mole-cricket, 

 an insect not uncommon in our parish. This noise it continues for 

 a long time without cessation. I believe it is commoner than is 

 generally supposed; but on account of its exceedingly skulking 

 habits, which renders it almost an impossibility even to catch a 

 glimpse of the bird, it is very seldom seen or recognised. Mr. 

 Baker tells me it is not at all uncommon in the neighbourhood of 

 Mere, from whence he has several times obtained specimens. It is 

 not necessarily addicted to water, although it is most generally to 

 be found in the vicinity of ponds, and rushes. In the Mere district 

 it is commonly called the inowing machine bird, another name 

 characteristic of the monotonous and unceasing nature of its note. 

 I have never found its nest myself, but remember well a cousin of 

 mine returning in great triumph one afternoon, having, after a 

 laborious search, discovered a nest of this species with its five pretty 

 pink-tinted eggs. 



Salicaria Phragmiles. " The Sedge Warbler." Abundant in our 

 water-meadows, where any amount of specimens, with nest and eggs, 

 may be procured with but little trouble. I have often listened with 

 pleasure to this little bird making night melodious with its untiring 

 song, which, however, is more of a chatter after all, when compared 

 with the night melody of the unrivalled Nightingale. But it likes 

 to be busy in the night, and lifts up its voice with a good courage, 

 as though it was not going to be put down, though it might ilself 

 be called insignificant, and its note harsh. It is one of our commonest 



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