289 



ON THE 



©ccititeuce of some of tijc f luti" ^pcics of 

 §irt)s ill t|e |tcig]^l)Ottr|ooir of .SalisBurg. 



By the Rev. Aethue P. Moeees, Vicar of Britford. 

 PART III.— INSESSORES (CONIROSTRES). 



(Continued from Vol. ■s.\'\\\., page 213J 



Fringillid^. 



Passer Bomesticus. " The House Sparrow." We now arrive at 

 the large faniily of the Finch tribe, at the head of which we may 

 fitly place our friend Cock Sparrow. Bold, obtrusive, and uncom- 

 monly well satisfied with himself, there is no fear of his remaining 

 unknown to anyone, so that without further remark, I may safely 

 leave him to take care of himself, which he is quite capable of doing, 

 and proceed at once to his near relation. 



Passer Montanus. " The Tree Sparrow.'^ This is a beautifully- 

 marked bird, and, though one which we cannot call uncommon, yet, 

 I should think, as little known as any of our smaller birds, which 

 do not actually thrust themselves into notice. The head of this 

 bird is a beautifully rich brown, and the rest of the plumage, though 

 generally resembling the last species, is more clearly and delicately 

 marked. A year or two ago there stood a very old and thick thorn 

 hedge between the Great and South Western Railways, in an un- 

 frequented spot, and there they used frequently to build ; but the 

 hedge has been now cut down, and their retreat lost to them. 

 Champion has found them in most of the neighbouring parishes, 

 and taken their nest near INIartin, and they are also to be found round 

 the Warminster district. In conversation with Mr. Hart he told 

 me that he had noticed them in great numbers at Market Harboro' 

 in Leicestershire, where they seemed almost as common as the 



VOL. XVIII. — NO. LIV. T 



